Beach rave fears could thwart music events

Plans to host live music events at a camp site could be thwarted after council officers warned past events had sparked "unofficial raves" on a beach and numerous complaints.

Organisers have applied for two temporary licences for the events at Waxham Summer Camp on the north Norfolk coast for up to 500 people.

Anna Mudeka, a well-known artist based in Norfolk, wants to hold a day of music with DJs on 8 August and a world music festival is also being planned for 29 August.

However, environmental protection officers at North Norfolk District Council want the events pulled, claiming people have complained about noise previously.

An officer said in a report: "These events have a history of exceeding their finishing time and numbers in attendance.

"They often result in 'unofficial raves' spilling onto the beach resulting in damage to the dunes from late night fires and barbecues, as well as littering issues.

"History has shown that these events are poorly managed and any attempts at noise control fall short of preventing a nuisance to local residents."

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While council officers have concerns, Norfolk Police said it had no objections to the events being held.

Noise mitigation measures have been proposed by the organisers as part of the application.

Mudeka is a Zimbabwean-British musician who has also organised festivals in Southburgh in Breckland. She also runs a charitable foundation which raises funds to support orphans in Zimbabwe.

Councillors will meet on Tuesday to decide whether or not to approve a licence for the events.

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