MP Nick Herbert ‘surprised’ Mutiny Festival was granted licence

MP Nick Herbert is calling for an apology for residents

The three-day music event starts on Thursday and is being held at Fontwell Park Racecourse for the first time.

Mr Herbert has written to the chief executives of both Arun District Council and Fontwell Racecourse after hearing from anxious constituents about the potential impact on nearby homes and businesses.

Mr Herbert expressed particular dissatisfaction with the local consultation and public engagement by the organisers.

Last year's Mutiny Festival was held at Victoria Park in Portsmouth

He said: “People did not know that this event was going to be different from others at the racecourse, and it was never made clear to them that campers would be off-site and that music would continue until 2am.

“I am surprised that a licence for this event was granted at all, but the consultation with local residents appears to have been inadequate.

He added: “Doubtless many people will enjoy the festival, but we also have to think about local residents and the impact on them.

“This won’t be a one-off concert for a few hours, it’s a three day event which will run into the small hours every day.

“I wonder whether a residential area like this is the right venue for such an event.”

Mr Herbert warned that the racecourse and Arun District Council now have a ‘heavy responsibility’ to ensure that the event goes ahead smoothly without causing a nuisance to local people.

He added that he would be seeking a review of the licensing process after the event in the light of how it was conducted.

American rapper Snoop Dogg is the festival’s headline act on Saturday night.

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