Park festival licence set to be decided

A BID to hold a two-day music festival in Victoria Park will be considered by Leicester City Council on Thursday.

Up to 73,000 revellers could descend on the park, with 34,500 general tickets and 2,000 enhanced tickets to be made available.

The event would have two stages, with about eight artists a day on the main stage, performing a range of music including mainstream pop, country, folk, jazz, soul, rock’n’roll, gospel and blues.

The second stage would feature DJs playing popular music.

There would also be a funfair, bars and food stands on September 16 and 17.

Applicant Festival Republic promotes huge music events in the UK including Latitude, Reading and Leeds Festivals and Download.

The council has received 68 positive responses from members of the public and 14 negative.

One said: “From Radio 1 weekender in 2000, to taking two toddlers camping at Summer Sundae three years running, my family and I have loved the music events we’ve attended and have been disappointed with the lack of similar events in recent years.

“While it may cause some local residents, including myself, minor disruption, and probably some localised anti-social behaviour, that shouldn’t detract from the positive impact the event will have overall and the buzz that is will create in the city, bringing additional footfall and money to businesses in and around Clarendon Park and London Road areas.

“It will also be a great opportunity to paint Leicester in a positive light to those who will come to the city, to the media and to those who will watch and listen across the country.”

An opponent said: “The level of noise and disruption cannot be tolerated over two days, nor can police or traffic resources cope with that.”