Glastonbury Festival LICENCE GRANTED!

18:00 the meeting has started.

18:49 There are now 14 Regulatory Board members present – 1 x lib dem missing.

19:04 General introductions and outline of what is relevant for consideration.

19:08 Public Entertainment Licence has been applied for Melvin Benn c/o Worthy Farm, rather than Glastonbury Festival (2003) Ltd.

19: 17 John Buckley, Chief Superintendent of Avon & Somerset Constabulary, is quizzing Melvin Benn about the Crime Concern report which attempts to detail the limits of section 17 of the Crime & Disorder act 1998.

19:25 They’re taking a short break to consider the report. Seems John Buckley isn’t that happy, mainly because he feels better qualified to give an opinion.

Neil has also heard news that there have been 5-10 cases of intimidation of locals both for and against the festival, and for this reason those individuals have felt unable to attend this hearing. Because of this, whatever the outcome tonight, it is possible that it will be contested as not everyone who has a point to make was present.

It is highly unlikely that there will be an outcome before 10.30 p.m., so don’t keep trying to refresh every 5 seconds. Assuming the server can take it, we’ll keep posting news as we get it.

19:46 Melvin Benn is making a presentation.

20:01 Melvin Benn is making positive presentation, showing how much GFL have listened to local and other concerns.

20:18 Melvin Benn still talking... emphasising the amount of consultation that has been carried out.

20:32 Melvin Benn about halfway through his presentation.

20:52 The campervan fields will be in a secure compound this time with a dry moat.

20:55 Pilton shop won’t sell alcohol during the festival and the Crown pub willl be shut, presumably to deter trouble in the village.

21:02 Melvin Benn has finished his presentation and is now taking questions.

21:37 Chris Malcolmson – MDC Environmental Officer – is now giving his report.

21:41 Chris Malcolmson detailing MDC's required conditions... nothing unexpected, just minor improvements etc

21:44 Chris Malcolmson recommends the Public Entertainments Licence is granted with the conditions he has outlined.

21:47 John Buckley, the Chief Superintendent of Avon & Somerset police, is speaking now.

21:58 John Buckley is now giving full details of policing Glastonbury 2002.

22:20 Police – as last time, no objection, but some concerns. John Buckley is now answering questions.

22:34 Fire Brigade – again as last time, no objection!

22:55 They are currently having a quick break and then taking questions from the floor. All plans of getting to the pub abandoned.

No decision is likely to happen before midnight.

23.07 Pilton Parish Council oppose the increase in numbers.

23:12 Stephen Harrison, the Leader of Mendip District Council, is now giving a mildly supportive speech.

23:18 It's now the public's turn to have their say, with eight objectors to speak first, (three and a half minutes each).

23:29 Okay, now 4 have spoken, voicing much more sensible concerns than they did at the first licence hearing in December - has someone given then a reality check?

23:36 10 supporters now get their turn....

23:55 The public have finished speaking. Melvin Benn is now summing up.

00:04 The Regulatory Board is now to debate the application. Fingers crossed....

00:21 2 councillors for and 1 against so far. I think Neil's speculating re: what they've just said.

00:23 2 all....

00:27 4 in favour, 2 against - looking good! Two of the main public objectors have just walked out of the hearing, I think because they realise that it's not going to go their way.

00:30 5 in favour, 3 against.

00:36 5-4. This is so close it's painful.

00:39 The chatroom is awash with people biting their nails. Some have already started on their toes.

01:18 YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! Glastonbury Festival 2003 is ON, with confirmed total numbers of 150,000 (that's with 112,500 weekend tickets for sale to the general public).

Break out the champagne and start packing for the summer…..

Sorry for the agonising delay there due to technical difficulties.....

many thanks to eden for her help.

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