Vince Power has commented on a decision by Tonbridge And Malling Council regarding plans to increase the capacity of his Hop Farm Festival, which launched earlier this year and which will re-appear next July. The council have refused to increase the capacity of the event, saying that they didn't feel there was enough information provided regarding traffic plans and camp security to OK the proposals. Power's people plan to appeal the decision in January. Either way, the festival itself will go ahead, with or without an increased capacity.
Power told CMU: "This seems to be the normality these days when applying for a licence. We had some complaints from the local village, which seem to be unfounded. I have been organising events and festivals for 25 years, from events at the Mean Fiddler such as The Reading and Leeds Festival to my involvement with Glastonbury and many others. I have a good track record in this sector, as do the team I use. I am confident of obtaining the licence for increased capacity at the appeal in January".