VIDEO: Wild Life festival organisers speak to residents ahead of event

Organisers of Wild Life Festival have held a consultation with residents ahead of the music event's second outing.
Last year's Wild Life festival at Shoreham Airport. Picture: Eddie MitchellLast year's Wild Life festival at Shoreham Airport. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
Last year's Wild Life festival at Shoreham Airport. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

The meeting on Thursday, held at Shoreham Centre, was more low-key than last years consultation, which attracted hundreds of concerned residents.

Steve Walton, event manager for SJM concerts which runs Wild Life festival, said they had proved their capability to the community.

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“Last year in the first hour we had 100 people through the door. This year so far we’ve had about three. That says to me that residents realised we did a good job.

Last year's Wild Life festival at Shoreham Airport. Picture: Eddie MitchellLast year's Wild Life festival at Shoreham Airport. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
Last year's Wild Life festival at Shoreham Airport. Picture: Eddie Mitchell

“Traffic management was superb, the security operation and police worked well together and the audience was really well mannered.”

But Vanina Groves from Old Shoreham Road, one of the residents who did attend, said that low attendance was due to a lack of promotion.

“It’s a shame they didn’t advertise this a bit more.

“I live opposite Shoreham Airport and I didn’t sleep for two days because of the noise.

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“We residents pay our taxes to the council and our views come second to people coming from all over to have a good time.”

More than 75,000 festivalgoers descended on Shoreham last year to see top music stars perform at the airport. Police praised the lack of anti-social behaviour, but some people living nearby complained about noise levels.

The conditions set by Adur District Council were reviewed following a resident appeal but the bid was rejected.

Steve said that noise checks were carried out at properties nearby and none of them breached the conditions.

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“We can only work within the limits we’re given and when these conditions have been challenged and not changed that says a lot really.”

This year, the festival is introducing new speakers which will reduce bass sounds and noise pollution.

Tom Sturmey, traffic manager for the festival, said that they will also be encouraging taxi drivers to use the designated pick up point to further reduce disruption to local people.

“We’re doing this for the community; it is their roads.”

This year’s festival takes place on June 11-12 with Disclosure and Rudimental headlining.

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