Festival plans approved despite noise complaints

An outdoor family-friendly festival will run for three days instead of two

Plans for a weekend of events have been given the go ahead despite opposition from local residents over noise.

Festival company Raver Tots Events Ltd already had permission to hold events on the weekend of 20 and 21 July next year in Prospect Park, Reading, but it also applied to hold an event featuring singer Craig David on the Friday.

Residents argued that this year's event was disruptive to people wanting to use the park and said the noise was "unbearable".

The plan was approved at a Reading Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, and event organisers promised to work with residents "to ensure that everybody is happy".

In full, Tots Events Ltd has been given permission to provide regulated entertainment and sell alcohol from 15:00 to 22:00 for the Craig David event on 19 July, 12:00 to 22:00 for Ibiza Classics on Saturday and 11:30 to 19:00 for Raver Tots on Sunday.

One of the residents to object, Michael Atkinson, said "you could not escape the noise" of the 2023 event.

"It was unbearable," he said.

He said the sound "bounces off the houses" and claimed "measuring noise at set points doesn't always work".

Organisers said music would be limited to 62 decibels, speakers could be directed to face away from surrounding properties, and offered to give Mr Atkinson a sound monitor for his home.

They also said they could be contacted if residents had complaints.

But Mr Atkinson said the park was not suited to large events and suggested the festival be moved.

Director of Raver Tots Michael Pickets said other venues were considered, but moving the event would be difficult due to scheduling.

A resident asked for the event not to be held at Prospect Park

Saoirse Holland, events director at Tots Events, said the company was "pleased" with the council's decision.

"We’re glad to be working with the residents to ensure that everybody is happy and put on events that help the local community, and raise money for charities," she said.