Concerns raised about proposed music festival at Derby venue

Residents and officials in Derby have expressed concerns regarding the proposed music festival set to take place at Derby Rugby Club in August. The Derby City Council is set to hold a licensing hearing to address apprehensions surrounding Fab Festivals Ltd’s plans to host the event at the grounds of the rugby club in Darley Abbey.

The festival is scheduled to take place over the weekend of August 16 and 17, with hopes of becoming an annual event at the same time each year. Organizers have indicated that the lineup may feature tribute acts to iconic music stars like Madonna, Amy Winehouse, and Bon Jovi. They have reassured the council that they have expanded their business to attract higher-quality acts that justify the ticket prices for attendees.

In their licensing application, Fab Festivals Ltd outlined their vision for the event, emphasizing a family-friendly atmosphere with food, live music, a small fairground, craft vendors, sweet stalls, and more. The proposed festival hours are from 11am to 10:30pm on Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday, with plans to offer live music and alcohol sales throughout the weekend. The company has ensured that they have a team of professionals, including medical staff, security personnel, stewards, parking attendants, stage managers, and sound engineers, to oversee the event smoothly.

However, concerns have been raised regarding potential noise disturbances and disruptive behavior that could impact residents living near the festival site. Local resident Reginald Lindsey expressed worries about the negative effects the noise levels could have on the quality of life for residents. He highlighted past experiences of loud music from events held at the rugby club’s grounds and questioned the council’s awareness of the festival’s proximity to residential properties.

Additionally, councillors in Darley have voiced their reservations about the festival’s impact on nearby residents, citing noise pollution and overflow parking issues as key concerns. Councillor Alison Martin emphasized that the current site at Haslams Lane may not be suitable for hosting such events, suggesting larger green spaces like Markeaton Park as more appropriate venues for outdoor gatherings.

The licensing hearing, scheduled for May 27, will provide an opportunity for councillors to deliberate on whether the festival should proceed as planned. As the community awaits a decision, residents and officials continue to debate the potential implications of hosting a music festival at Derby Rugby Club.