Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Organisers reject claims festival now a ‘rave’
ORGANISERS of Westfest in Dundee have hit out at claims the event is more like a “rave” than a community gathering.
The free festival returns to Magdalen Green for 2022 after two years off due to Covid-19.
The event usually attracts up to 10,000 people to the West End, although some residents have previously complained about noise levels and litter.
This year’s event, on Sunday June 12, was granted an alcohol licence by the council last month.
A series of objections were lodged, but these have not been made public as the licence was considered by officials privately.
However, Westfest chairman Martin Hay said he was met with claims that the event does not benefit the community.
Mr Hay says objectors are in the minority – and branded their views, including that the event should be moved from Magdalen Green, “disappointing”.
He said: “There were several objections raised by a minority of people.
“What really disappoints us is this perception that it isn’t a community event and more like a rave.
“It is run by local volunteers from the West End, who pour hundreds of hours into organising it.
“We’ve got local organisations and sports clubs involved with stalls and tasters for their respective sports.
“I’ve always said people can come and enjoy the family fun day with no money or with £100 in their pocket.”
Over the years, Westfest’s detractors have made several complaints around the disruption the event causes to its leafy residential surroundings.
Five years ago, organisers were only granted a licence on condition they erected fencing around the festival area – a response to security concerns in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing. Revellers were also barred from bringing their own alcohol to the event, and were instead told to only buy booze on site.
Then in 2019 – the last year the festival was held in person – a number of local residents complained that the event had become a “drinking festival” and claimed that they left the area when it was on.
They claim the WestFest has outgrown Magdalen Green and have made calls for it to be moved.
Lochee Park and Victoria Park have both been mooted as potential alternative sites by those living nearby.
But Mr Hay dismissed the idea of relocating, saying: “Thousands enjoy the day on the green.
“To hear that the fun day needs to be relocated and is having a negative impact on local trade was also disappointing.
“We feel the event has quite the opposite impact, with people using the local shops and bars before and after.”
Community chiefs also say the event has a “positive knock-on effect” for traders.
Russell Pepper, chairman of West End Community Council – which is not involved in organising the event – said: “We don’t feel that Westfest has outgrown Magdalen Green at all.
“It brings a positive contribution to the West End, bringing a lot of life to the area.
“This is a one-day event that people seem to very much enjoy, and the fact that it’s on Magdalen Green makes it accessible to many people.
“We’re unaware of any data to suggest that Westfest is detrimental to local business – in fact, there is likely a positive knock-on effect for local businesses due to passing trade.
“We do feel, however, that we would like to see further consultation in the future to understand the benefits to the area as opposed to the city, so we can support it in the right way.”
Organisers have also promised kids’ attractions, a carnival and arts and crafts as part of the 2022 event.