Bandstand’s three-year licence despite noise protests
KELVINGROVE Bandstand will remain as a music venue despite claims that residents’ lives aren’t worth living during concerts.
The decision came after fears the popular spot would close for good.
Glasgow Life was awarded a public entertainment licence for three years, despite a proposal to restrict it to just one year.
It means this year’s star-studded list of events, including Summer Nights, Fiesta Fold and Pride will go ahead.
Alfie Boe, The Fratellis, John Prine, Dr Hook, Bryan Ferry and Van Morrison will all play the Bandstand in the coming months with 21 nights hosting live shows.
But Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Councillor Gavin Carre, said: “It’s disappointing for the community. There will be 12 continuous nights in August meaning it will be 12 nights of continuous noise for residents.
“We think the noise is far too high. We now have people saying they don’t want to live in the area because of the Bandstand.
“We have to respect the decision granted.
“We feel that with the work ongoing with Glasgow Life and their acoustic consultant, the matter will be relieved, if not resolved.”
Residents claimed music acts had been heard shouting “obscenities” during concerts and hit out at revellers who sing songs while leaving.
Findlay Menzies, who lives nearby, added: “These events are taking place on school nights and have been very disruptive to my own family. We can’t get the kids to sleep until 11.30pm.
“When these events are on the area is uninhabitable. My life is not worth living.”
But agent Robin Morton, acting on behalf of Glasgow Life, said: “I’m trying to help the organisers keep open a venue in the face of heartfelt concern. If this renewal is not granted the venue will not be able to continue in its present form. That will not be good for Glasgow as a Unesco city of music.”
During a speech that lasted around 45 minutes, Mr Morton handed over a dossier containing promise sof how noise disturbances would be tackled.
He revealed that sound guru Lindsay Mcintyre, from KSG Acoustics, has been drafted in to help cancel out huge bass noise.
Mr Morton said that a new 24-hour hotline would be in force, with sound engineers on site to deal with complaints and make adjustments instantly.