Festival to end after failure to win licence
A FESTIVAL which drew huge crowds looks unlikely to make a return after a bid to secure a licence was rejected.
Street City took place in Sheffield from October 2016 until May this year in Ecclesall Road, where a mix of food, drink, music and other entertainment attracted thousands of revellers to the monthly night market. However, the event in June was cancelled at short notice amid a licensing dispute with Sheffield Council following complaints about the noise.
Nearly 1,800 people signed a petition launched by organisers to save the festival, and hundreds of people called for its revival in a separate survey by Ecclesall ward councillor Shaffaq Mohammed. But councillors rejected a licensing application after the organisers failed to appear to make their case.
The council received 48 objections, many from worshippers at St William of York Church who complained about evening masses being disturbed. Council environmental health officer Jon Round also objected to the application, claiming residents had reported music continuing until the early hours despite an agreement it would finish at 11pm. Sean Gibbons, a council safety officer, objected over concerns about potential overcrowding.
A previous hearing scheduled for April was adjourned so the applicant could compile an acoustic report – but councillors were told it had never been submitted. The licensing team said it had made numerous attempts to contact the applicant ahead of the meeting but had received no response since August.