Secular Gujarati festival given go-ahead in Brent

A north London park is set to host "the only non-religious Indian event" after a three-day festival to celebrate Gujarati culture was given the go-ahead.

Brent Council has approved a license for The Rangeelu Gujarat festival to take place at Roe Green Park in Kingsbury on Friday, 5 September to 7 September.

Some residents had raised concerns about noise disturbance to nearby Kingsbury High School but organisers Red Lotus Events have agreed to licensing conditions, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Acts will start later on the Friday to avoid disturbing students and noise levels will not exceed an agreed 65 decibels.

Creative director of the festival Mira Salat said organisers "have empathy for the neighbours" who may feel some disturbance during the festival but said the three days "will create so much more joy" than that.

Brent is home to the largest Gujarati community in London, where a majority of the borough identify as Gujarat but Ms Salat said that there is "still a lack of understanding within the community about what their cultural identity is".

She added: "There's nothing else of its sort, there is no Indian festival out there that is not based on religion.

"This is the only non-religious Indian event that's available to a lot of people of all different backgrounds."

A stage will host the music, dance and comedy performers and there will be a range of stalls, including vegetarian food, art and crafts representing the different regions.

Red Lotus Events has run similar version of the festival in previous years

As well as strict noise requirements, Brent's Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee also attached an additional condition requiring someone to be on hand at all times to answer the phone to any residents who may wish to voice grievances.

There will also be 50 security personnel on site at all times, including 20 security staff and 30 stewards.