The highly awaited four-day Ramroot Festival, planned to be held at Arena UK in Allington near Grantham, has encountered a setback after South Kesteven District Council denied its licence application. The music fest, set to occur from 4 to 7 July, boasted an energetic line-up of over 75 artists, with popular bands such as Gentleman’s Dub Club and Fabio and Grooverider. The festival was anticipated to draw fans of different music genres like drum and bass, reggae, and folk.
The council’s decision was due to various concerns raised by the councillors, largely stemming from inadequate fencing around the venue and the possible unrestrained usage of alcohol. The proposed festival would cover two 30-acre fields, introducing possible complications with traffic management and event security. These issues were discussed at length during the council committee meeting. The event is organised by Niall Walker, 25, from Lovis Media Ltd. Walker tried to reassure the council by explaining that a large number of festival-goers were expected to rely on public transportation, and would be arriving via Grantham Railway Station, before taking a shuttle to the venue. Despite these assurances, the council’s apprehensions remained, especially related to the projected 1,500 attendees and the festival’s security provisions.
Walker, who had hopes of turning the festival into an annual event, has expressed disappointment; however, he has not yet made a statement about the future of the festival or whether he will contest the council’s decision. This rejection comes at a difficult time for music festival organisers, as many are facing challenges in securing necessary permissions. Walker has 21 days from the council’s decision to file an appeal.
This report is a revision of the original reported by the BBC.
