TICKET holders for a music festival due to take place Evesham United Evesham Football Club on Saturday, May 30 have been left disappointed on notification of the event’s sudden postponement.
Organisers of the one-day Evesham Music Fest, Social Eats cited “planning permission consent issues with Wychavon District Council” in an email postponing the outdoor event on May 12.
The line-up was due to feature a host of tribute acts to big name bands such as Madness, Coldplay and The Police.
Sharon Downes, from Cleeve Prior contacted the Observer to say she felt extremely let down when her husband Steve was notified via email that the event had been cancelled and rescheduled for August.
“I was very upset as I was really looking forward to hearing all the bands, and we had arranged to make it a big family gathering.
“There were eight of us and four were travelling all the way from Herne Bay in Kent.
“None of us can make August 15 as all of us have other commitments that weekend. It’s really disappointing.”
The Observer understands that the duty of responsibility to hold the correct event licence lies with the venue, Evesham Football Club which was confirmed by Wychavon.
When approached for comment, Ian Macleod, director of planning and infrastructure for the authority, said: “We sympathise with the club’s desire to raise additional income.
“However, the holding of temporary events is not allowed as part of the planning approval given to build the ground.
“We have made it clear to the club that if they continue to hold such events then we will be forced to take enforcement action.
He confirmed that the council had advised the club to apply for the necessary planning permission which will allow issues such as frequency of events, access, car parking and hours of use to be properly assessed.
“It is important for all views to be considered, especially given how close the ground is to residential properties,” added Mr Macleod.
Evesham United FC has been approached for comment.
