Glastonbury - the public meeting

Glastonbury Festival have submitted their Public Entertainments Licence application for a Festival in 2004, to take place 25-27th June (with the gates to open on Wednesday 23rd June). The licence application will be heard by Mendip District Council's Regulatory Board on 26th November.

As the first part of the licence process, a public meeting was held last night at MDC's offices in Shepton Mallet, giving locals a chance to express their views.

Perhaps surprisingly, (along with six press and four from the council) there were just twenty people present. And they included at least four from the Festival organisers (but no Michael Eavis), plus a policeman.

The first speaker I recognised as someone who, in the past, had strongly objected to having the Festival on his doorstep. He now said that in 2003 there were "many less problems", and asked that three conditions were included in any 2004 licence. These were: no increase in numbers; controlling offsite parking; and retaining the Village Liason Officer in Pilton. If these were met, he said that for the first time, he wouldn't object.

Melvin Benn (for the Festival organisers) was able to confirm those things were already contained within the licence application.

The second speaker said that she could say "lots in opposition" to the Festival, but she'd save that for another time. But she stated that the "long term environmental impact on the area is unacceptable".

No more speakers, meeting over, in just ten minutes!

Compared to the loud opposition at the licence hearings for this year, it seems there is much less of concern to locals, because the measures taken by the Festival to combat the problems are working. This is all pleasing news.

But the licence hearing is the real event, and it would be premature to think it's a done deal. As usual, eFestivals will be at the hearing and we'll make sure you're the first to know.

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