ORGANISERS of the Trowbridge Festival are “gutted” at having been forced to scrap this year’s event after they lost their licence over safety fears.

Emotions ran high when Wiltshire Council licensing officers decided that last year’s event at Stowford Manor Farm had put the public at risk due to minimal fire and medical provision, loss of control of the site and selling too many tickets.

The decision was made by councillors that organisers NR Events could not run the festival – planned for July 19-21 safely – despite several changes which it put to the licensing panel, including training staff, limiting ticket sales and hiring more stewards.

Licensing manager for public health and protection Linda Holland said: “There were serious issues with last year and the organisers failed to deliver a safe event.

“Whilst recognising the changes proposed by this year’s organisers, the licensing authority is still struggling to believe anything will be different.

“We have no confidence that the organisers will comply with any conditions and believe there are no further steps that could have been taken, except revoking the licence.”

Committee chairman Cllr Peter Hutton said: “The licensing sub-committee acknowledges the applicant on paper has made strides towards addressing the issues, but has no confidence in their ability to put this in place for this year.”

Nick Reed of NR Events, who became teary during the meeting, said: “We are gutted. It is with heavy hearts that the festival team must announce that Trowbridge Festival 2019 is unable to go ahead.

“The resounding success of 2018caused an unexpected strain on our teams and facilities. Despite our best efforts to eliminate these issues this year we were unable to reach an agreement with Wiltshire Council.

“We are working hard to understand and explore the viability of the festival returning in 2020.

“All pre-purchased tickets will be fully refunded.”