County news: Big Kahuna Festival cancelled

By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jul 2016, 16:18 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 02:24 BST
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The Big Kahuna Festival, due to be held at Holmbush Forest in August, has been cancelled.

A statement from organisers Fire and Ice Productions said: “It is with great regret and disappointment that we have to deliver the news that for reasons beyond our control the Big Kahuna 2016 will no longer be going ahead.

“Following the granting of our licence in April and after extensive meetings with the council, it has become apparent that a small but vocal opposition to the event has meant that insurmountable hurdles have been put in place.

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“As a result the continued promoting of the event would be irresponsible to our suppliers and ticket holders.

Residents of exclusive Holmbush House are upset about the proposed music festival the Big Kahuna on the grounds of the property. Residents look out onto a field which is thought that it will be used for parking. Pic Steve Robards SR1604608 SUS-160216-150512001Residents of exclusive Holmbush House are upset about the proposed music festival the Big Kahuna on the grounds of the property. Residents look out onto a field which is thought that it will be used for parking. Pic Steve Robards SR1604608 SUS-160216-150512001
Residents of exclusive Holmbush House are upset about the proposed music festival the Big Kahuna on the grounds of the property. Residents look out onto a field which is thought that it will be used for parking. Pic Steve Robards SR1604608 SUS-160216-150512001

“Those of you who have purchased tickets have been sent an e-mail regarding your refund.

“Obviously we are bitterly disappointed to be bringing you this news, after months of hard work to bring what we believe would have been an outstanding event to the area.

“I am very proud of the team and what they achieved and would like to thank everyone who has supported this event.

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“If you have any questions please e-mail [email protected]”

Alasdair Adam. Image courtesy of Fire and Ice Productions LtdAlasdair Adam. Image courtesy of Fire and Ice Productions Ltd
Alasdair Adam. Image courtesy of Fire and Ice Productions Ltd

Organisers had planned to have The Happy Mondays headline the festival, with between 7,000 and 10,000 people attending.

Their licensing application was approved on April 4 this year, despite strong objections from a number of local residents, who said they were concerned about noise disturbance, extra traffic, and fire risk.

A total of 136 people wrote or emailed the council to object, which council officers said was the most for any licensing application HDC had dealt with.

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During the licensing meeting, Alasdair Adam, director of Fire and Ice Productions, said: “We have put in a lot of work to make sure we listen to concerns of residents.”

But Andrew Finnegan, who lives in Holmbush House, said they would not be able to enjoy their properties for three to four days and could have to endure an ‘unacceptable level of nuisance’.