The first application for an increased capacity license was rejected as the council suddenly wanted more detailed information following complaints from neighbours about the noise levels of the festival. After 35 minutes the committee finally agreed to give the licence, but not without cost.
Chairman Cllr Jean Harrison laid down some conditions to the license, the license can only last a year at a time, which will hit the organisers pockets as each application cost £1000. A more detailed traffic management plan has to be put in place and all bars have to stop serving at midnight.
"We had to make a very long and hard decision. Not all members of the committee were unanimous in granting the licence”. Said Cllr Harrison.
The larger area covered by the license will be used for parking and camping. Last year the festival sold 4,999 tickets and this year the organisers hope to sell 6,000.
Organisers of the 3 day event seemed happy with the results and agreed that everything had to be done right not just to benefit the patrons but the neighbours of the farm. Mr Gough said, "If this event is to go forward we need to get it right. If anything goes wrong it will come back on us."
The festival takes place at Merton Farm, Canterbury between 9, 10 and 11 July. For more information go to the Lounge on the Farm website.
Check out this video to see what to expect this year!
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