BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Luton 'will force cafe to close'

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend was last held in Dundee in 2023

A cafe owner says he will not be able to trade when BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend comes to Luton in May.

Alessandro Dinghile, from Elevenses, at Stockwood Park Golf Club, said the event in the park would be "fantastic" but that he was told not to open.

He said he would have to cancel a number of parties, golf days and a wedding renewal.

James Taylor, of Luton Borough Council, said the authority would work to "sort out solutions".

Alessandro Dinghile attending a meeting to discuss the impact of the event on Luton

The three-day event will take place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 May.

Its headliners have not been announced but the last event in Dundee welcomed Lewis Capaldi, Jonas Brothers, The 1975 and Rudimental.

• Business fears impact of Luton’s Big Weekend - BBC Sounds

Rudimental played the 2023 Big Weekend in Dundee

Mr Dinghil, said: "I think it's an absolutely fantastic opportunity for the town and I'm very pro the festival."

He said he attended a drop-in session to find out more about the event, and had received a letter telling him his car park would be taken over and not to open at all.

"I have a lot of bookings [for that weekend]: an engagement party, two society golf days, a birthday party, Christening and wedding renewal.

"Now we have to tell those people 'Sorry, you can't have your event.' It's not very good for business.

"Just talk to us; let us be part of it."

Mr Taylor, Labour portfolio holder for regeneration and inclusive growth at the council, said: "It is a big event. There will be some disruption but that was the purpose of holding these events, to hear from those affected then try and sort out solutions to the problems that are raised."

He said it had not been possible to let the public and businesses know about the event earlier due to the "commercial confidential arrangement" with the BBC.