Fest finally gets council approval

Storm over Winter event abates at last

Council chiefs were labelled tourism killjoys after bidding to clamp down on Ayrshire’s newest music festival.

Concerns over children attending the two- day WinterStorm Rock event, set for Troon later this month, topped the agenda of South Ayrshire’s licensing board this week.

Drinks bosses have insisted the new event on the calendar must provide a no- alcohol zone as part of their policy to “protect” youngsters from harm.

But organisers claimed they are being made to “overcome challenges not found in the rest of Scotland”.

Event chief Ian McCaig has pledged to transform Troon with the two night rock festival on November 25- 26.

And children are being invited to attend as part of a “family- friendly” theme.

He said: “We want children to come and experience this event for what it is and enjoy the wide range of music on offer.

“It must be inclusive rather than exclusive – we’re going to be dealing with a responsible, mature audience.

“It’s more Jimmi Hendrix than Simon Cowell, so we’re not going to have trains filled with 17- year- olds coming down from Glasgow for the event.”

Licensing chiefs pointed to earlier precedents set with the Scottish Airshow and Ayr Rugby Club’s beer festival, limiting areas where children could roam.

Board chair, councillor Ann Galbraith, said: “We absolutely support this event and think it will be tremendous for Troon, but we’ll have to find compromise here.”

The festival is expected to attract a large audience from outside of Ayrshire to its main venues at the Concert Hall and Walker Hall. And a string of after- gig events are expected to keep the town buzzing over the course of the weekend.

Ian added: “We’re linking in with local businesses, using local produce – doing things right wherever we can.

“We reckon this could bring 600 bed nights to Troon and prove a real boost for the music tourism industry.”

Panel councillor, Ian Douglas, said: “I’m very impressed with the applicant and have a lot of confidence in his ability to run a good event.”

But the council’s licensing standards officer, Peter McCarroll, branded the application a “perverse interpretation of family friendly” as both sides sought common ground.

After a recess, it was agreed that a small area of the Concert Hall will be cordoned off and alcohol- free, while the Walker Hall will not serve alcohol.