Mixed reception for dance music festival
SLEEP-DEPRIVED residents have been claiming that a four-day dance music festival has been keeping them up at night.
Around 5,000 revellers descended on the Carreglwyd Estate in Llanfaethlu, Anglesey, for the sold-out electronic music and dance festival Gottwood.
On Thursday, 10 people were detained by North Wales Police for possession of controlled drugs at the festival site, although no arrests were made.
A North Wales Police spokesman said the drugs were for personal use and were disposed of.
For years residents have complained about the noise emanating from the festival, saying they are having to endure up to 14 hours of dance music a day.
But organisers have hit back and said the sound levels are being “closely monitored” and they are operating within the license they have been issued by Anglesey County Council.
A nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “We live about half a mile away and are having to listen to hours and hours of dance music everyday, starting from 11.30am until after 2am.
“We complained to Anglesey County Council last year and nothing has been done about it.”
She continued: “There is a complaints phone line you can call, the festival organisers have issued, but nobody ever answers.
“It just isn’t acceptable that we have to live with this every year, we’ve begun to dread the festival.
“I don’t mind people having fun but getting no sleep and then having to go to work is a little much.”
Gottwood is now in its eighth year, and in the past has attracted big names in the dance world such as Disclosure and Jamie from The XX.
Organisers describe it as “the mystical little party hidden in the middle of the woods”.
Boutique camping is on offer at the site and those staying in an Airstream luxury caravan paid over £2,000 for the pleasure.
Anglesey councillor Kenneth Hughes said: “We heard the music until past 2.30am last night despite the TV volume being turned up.
“I’d like the festival organisers to give something back to Llanfaethlu, even if it’s just to the village school or playing field.
“I know local firms do well out of it such as food suppliers and taxis, it would be nice if the village got something too.”
An Isle of Anglesey County Council spokesperson said: “We received one formal noise complaint regarding the Gottwood Festival.
“This complaint was immediately brought to the organisers’ attention and they have responded to the concerns raised.
“The organisers have also been monitoring noise levels and provided a contact number for residents with concerns.”