A psytrance music festival planned for the Cotswold countryside has been granted approval despite significant concerns raised by local residents about noise, traffic, public nuisance, and the potential impact on a nearby wedding.
More than 70 objections were submitted regarding the application for the Existance Festival to be held near Tetbury from 3 to 6 September. The event is expected to attract approximately 1,500 attendees. Originally scheduled for June this year at Boldridge Farm in Crudwell Lane, Long Newnton, the festival was postponed and rescheduled to September.
Cotswold District Council reviewed the new premises licence application during its licensing sub-committee meeting on 19 August. Wilde Dancing Ltd, the organisers, proposed hosting live and recorded music, as well as film screenings, until 2am on three nights. The application also includes provisions for late-night refreshments and alcohol sales.
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Concerns were particularly focused on the impact the festival may have on a wedding set for 5 September at the nearby Holy Trinity Church, with the reception planned in an open-sided marquee in the garden of Ashley Manor.
A Lodwick, who submitted an objection, highlighted: “This event has been planned for 18 months with significant time, effort and funds already committed to a wedding that brings together family, friends and community using only locally sourced food, flowers, staff and infrastructure. We were very distressed to discover the festival organisers announced the new September dates immediately after cancelling the June event, without consulting our community.”
During the meeting, organisers explained that they have engaged professional consultants to develop a robust sound management plan, designed to minimise noise disruption. They stated they would respond promptly to any complaints and adjust noise levels as necessary to comply with World Health Organization recommendations.
The organisers also expressed willingness to take additional steps, such as closing one of the festival stages during the wedding speeches.
Solicitor Rebecca Lowe acknowledged the anxiety caused by the festival, stating, “My client and I absolutely understand the concern. Every couple wants their wedding day to be perfect.” She assured that the event’s location is approximately a mile from both the church and the reception venue, minimising potential disturbances.
Ms Lowe added that her client has been in communication with the wedding party, who are particularly worried about noise during the speeches.
The committee was further informed that the community borehole near the site would not be used for the festival’s water supply. Instead, organisers have arranged for water tankers to deliver tens of thousands of litres daily.
Di Thomas, Chair of Long Newnton Parish Council, expressed several worries during the public session. She criticised the application for being submitted less than three months before the event, contrary to council guidance. She also raised concerns about public safety, water supply adequacy, and fire risk, especially considering recent government alerts regarding wildfire dangers.
Ms Thomas noted a previous field fire near the site required four fire engines, and spoke to attending fire crew members who reported safety issues, notably the lack of emergency access to the north of the festival site.
Councillor Nikki Ind, representing Tetbury East and Rural, also opposed the plans, highlighting safety risks on Crudwell Lane, the narrow access route which is heavily used by farm vehicles, HGVs, pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. She questioned whether emergency vehicles could navigate the lane during the festival.
In response, Ms Lowe reiterated that although the recommended submission period for applications is longer, it is not a mandatory requirement. She confirmed council officers are satisfied with the event’s water supply plan and stated that the festival organisers have implemented professional fire safety measures, including security teams and stewards patrolling the site continuously.
After approximately an hour of deliberation, the licensing committee granted the premises licence for the festival, subject to conditions aimed at mitigating the identified risks and concerns.