Mean Fiddler get contingency licence for Leeds

I think they call it a contingency plan. Carling Weekend promoters Mean Fiddler have secured a licence to stage the Leeds Festival at Bramham Park near Wetherby just in case they fail to get permission to use the usual site at Temple Newsam Park. As previously reported, local authorities could go either way in their decision on whether or not they give permission for the festival to be staged in its traditional location. Mean Fiddler were originally turned down for a licence last year because of the concerns of local residents. That decision was subsequently revoked and the festival went ahead, though local residents' concerns turned out to be justified when a small group of festival-goers went on the rampage after the finale of last year's festival setting various stands on fire! With that in mind the case against holding the festival at Temple Newsam is stronger and fiercer this year and while Mean Fiddler will make their case to Leeds City Council this week getting permission, even on appeal, isn't a foregone conclusion, hence the contingency plan. Which means whatever happens there will be a Leeds Festival this year.