Music festival growth fears
THE organiser of the Hop Farm Festival has vowed that the event will return "bigger and better" in 2010 to make back the money he lost this year.
But East Peckham residents fear the event could spiral out of control if it is allowed to grow.
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ANIMAL MAGIC: The Super Furry Animals at the Hop Farm Festival, where low ticket sales hit the organiser in the pocket OF0507091_13
Only 5,000 revellers were on site for the first day of this year's controversial festival, while the Sunday saw just 15,000 pass through the gates.
Those figures were well down on the 20,000 expected each day.
But organiser Vince Power remained optimistic as he looked ahead to 2010, saying: "Certainly next year we'll want a 30,000 capacity."
His expansion plans, however, may not win favour with locals.
East Peckham parish councillor David Poole said: "Saturday was fine. We could hear it but it wasn't intrusive.
"On Sunday it got a lot worse. It was unbearable when the headline act came on.
"We were very disappointed with the borough council. There was supposed to be a phone number we could report problems to, but we called it 15 times and didn't get through.
"We are worried it will become bigger next year, and think the only reason organisers went ahead last weekend, rather than cancel it, was so they could retain the licence.
"If they take over the adjoining fields then the noise is only going to get worse."
Jane Heeley, chief environmental health officer for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: "Noise nuisance complaints were received and are under investigation.
"We monitored noise levels throughout the event from various residential areas surrounding the venue.
"The organisers also set up a telephone helpline but the council is unable to comment on responses to calls on this line. Calls made to our own 24-hour emergency telephone number were responded to and investigated."
Mrs Heeley said a future application for a similar event would be considered carefully.
Meanwhile, the Hop Farm is planning to open its very own Santa's Magical Kingdom this Christmas.
The six-week event will see 50,000 visitors meet reindeer and elves, talk to Father Christmas and enjoy a festive train ride.
Hop Farm owner Peter Bull said: "I have been planning a Christmas event of this size for quite a few years.
"We have designed the event to bring all the fun and magic of Christmas alive for families who are visiting."
Tickets for the event, running from November 14 to Christmas Eve, will cost £25.
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by jennie, tunbridge wells
Sunday, August 02 2009, 5:28PM
“the hop farm weekend was my first festival, we stayed all weekend. I felt it was well organised and had good facilities. The stages were all stopped before midnight keeping noise to a minimun, our events last longer with stall holders and event staff partying late. There were a lot of young people there and it was nice to see them doing something rather than hanging around on street corners. It's a shame that so many people begrudge others from having fun, if we all liked and did the same things it would be a very boring world. I will be going next year.”
by M Brunt, Maidstone
Friday, July 31 2009, 3:44PM
“We attended the event on the Sunday. It was well organised, the acts were great and disabled access was as good as any other festival I've been to. When we left the site on the Sunday there was minimal traffic and little noise. I have seen far more disruption after a wedding fair and a military show at the Hop Farm. Is that ok though? More acceptable? Maybe next year the organisers can provide some free tickets to locals so they can come and see what they missed - and maybe challenge a few misconceptions about festivals and the people who attend. I would have thought at a time of such economic crisis the opportunity for a local venue to put on an event such as this would have been welcomed. And as far as comments re the price of tickets - this was a truly independent festival. No sponsorship means prices will have to be higher to cover costs - which personally I don't have a problem with.”
by Jock, Paddock Wood
Friday, July 17 2009, 8:22AM
“The festival wasnt promoted well. I didnt know it was on until I saw the traffic control signs up near the hop farm the weekend of the festival. I have no idea who the acts were and certainly wasnt going to be bothered to find out.”
by Stu, Kent
Monday, July 13 2009, 10:00AM
“Oh come on, it's only a 2 day event! The level of NIMBYism evident in Kent seriously frustrates me - we should all be encouraging more events of this nature in our county, not complaining!”
by mike, Laddingford
Sunday, July 12 2009, 8:52PM
“Went on Sunday and had a GREAT time.Well organised,good toilets,adequate food outlets and beer at an afforable price.Music brilliant.Thank you to all concerned! My ears were intact despite being up the front all day.On leaving after Mr Weller and walking back via East Peckham it was hard to know that a major event had taken place...very quiet! My neighbours and friends( in East Peckham) said the noise was minimal all day.Suggest that those that complain at 2 days of people having fun in a field get a life and continued whinging will bring Hop Farm closure and the possibility of house construction on the site.I expect the whingers will whine about that too.Im local I loved the event and the life it brings to the area and bring it on next year be it one or more days!”