Full steam ahead for Moonfest

3:00pm Friday 1st August 2008

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THE organiser of music festival Moonfest has expressed his relief after being granted a licence for the Westbury event, hailing the decision as a great thing for the town'.

Objections surrounding the festival, at which the likes of badboy rocker Pete Doherty will perform, meant the issue went before West Wiltshire District Council's sub-licensing committee on Thursday.

Councillors approved the licence for the festival, which will take place at Storridge Farm between August 29-31, subject to a string of conditions.

Sound levels are not allowed to exceed 65 decibels; festival times are restricted to 11am-2am on the Friday and Saturday; security patrols must cover Scotland, Ireland, The Ham and the nearby trading estate and noise levels must be checked at Brokerswood.

Festival organiser John Green, 46, told the Wiltshire Times: "We are very, very happy that the licence has been granted and we have been allowed to run music until 2am and sell beer and food until 3am."

Complaints stemmed from residents living near the festival site and campsite, who are worried about the potential noise and anti-social behaviour, but Mr Green said Moonfest would be a family-friendly festival.

"We have organised extra activities such as a funfair, quad biking, children's activities, donkey rides, stalls and a healing stand, so its not just about the music there's something for all the family to enjoy," Mr Green said.

And there is further good news for festivalgoers as the organisers have struck a deal with local farmers to allow revellers to park and camp at the site for free.

Mr Green added: "We have been really overwhelmed by the support we have received and ticket sales have been far more buoyant in the last week due to the permitting of a licence and we are hoping it will be a sell out.

"This festival is a great thing for the town because it will bring people and money to Westbury."

Doherty's band Babyshambles will be headlining the festival on the Friday.

Other acts due to appear include the Australian Pink Floyd, Go West, and local bands such as The Ozric Tentacles and The Mentalists.

Tickets for Moonfest are £29 per day or £69 for the weekend. For more information visit the Moonfest website at www.moonfest.co.uk