Major music festival granted licence
Licensing, Public Law and Judicial Review
Philip Kolvin QC today secured a licence for a major music festival, the Boomtown Festival near Winchester. The licence permits events to take place to 4 a.m. with a capacity of 59,999 people, replacing the current more restrictive licence.
Boomtown started 7 years ago with an attendance of 2500. It now generates £7.4m for the Hampshire economy and provides work for 11,500 people during the event.
Although there had been objections from statutory authorities, parish councils and residents’ groups the licence was granted on conditions reached through dialogue between the applicant and the authorities.
According to Philip, “This case demonstrates the value of a strong partnership with responsible authorities, enabling issues to be mediated away. But is is also a reminder of the economic and cultural importance of festivals, with Boomtown attracting visitation from 55 nations across the globe.”
Philip Kolvin QC was instructed by Matthew Phipps of TLT.
