Noise fears unfounded at Secret Garden Party

FEARS of noise from musicians and 5,000 spectators proved unfounded when the Secret Garden Party arrived in Abbots Ripton at the weekend. Concerns about noise levels had been raised by people living in Kings Ripton before the three-day event, but so far t

FEARS of noise from musicians and 5,000 spectators proved unfounded when the Secret Garden Party arrived in Abbots Ripton at the weekend.

Concerns about noise levels had been raised by people living in Kings Ripton before the three-day event, but so far the parish councils have not received any complaints.

Abbots Ripton Parish Council chairman John Lever said: "We didn't have any noise complaints at all."

And a spokesman for Kings Ripton Parish Council added: "As yet we have not received any noise complaints, but we have a parish meeting tonight so we may receive some then."

The lack of complaints is believed to have been helped by Huntingdonshire District Council's licensing department which cut the hours amplified live music was allowed to be played over the three days.

HDC licensing officer Greg Peck said: "We took into consideration the concerns of the residents living nearby and as a result the time music was allowed to play was cut back."

A spokesman for the event said the festival went well despite the restrictions.

He said: "The reduced music playing times meant we had a lot of juggling to do on the Friday but we managed to get it all sorted.

"Lily Allen and Graham Coxon were the most popular acts, and everyone seemed to love the fun and games.

"This is the fourth year the festival has been held here, and because of its success we intend to hold it here again next year.