‘Not new problem’

WHILE wishing every success to the new organisers of the Arundel Festival, might the residents, office workers and shop owners, etc., once again ask that the amplification from the Jubilee Gardens (which are owned by Arun District Council), plus the amount of time allocated to the noise, be considerably reduced.

This is not a new problem.

Over the last three years, at least, the organisers and council members have been approached to address this problem, to no avail.

To them, I would say, try to live and work in the centre of Arundel during the festival and see how you cope with eight hours of non-stop noise for 11 days.

Why do we need amplification at all?

The audience can hear perfectly well without it.

The main noise comes from the Northbrook College events.

I believe the college supplies the stage and amplification equipment.

Part of its publicity last year quoted “over 20 bands booked for two weekends”, along with other festival offerings suich as “Screaming Lez and the Mindbenders” from 9-10.30pm.

Does Northbrook College, which prides itself as “one of the pre-eminent providers of creative music production”, not also have a classical music department which could provide variety for the festival? If not, then why not invite other musical departments, such as Chichester University, to participate?

Patricia Warren

Martlets Court

Queen Street

Arundel