Licensing Panel - Cider & Music Festival at Stratford Rugby Club

On Thursday 22 May, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Licensing Panel reviewed an application for a Premises Licence for a Cider & Music Festival at Stratford Rugby Club to take place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July 2025 at the Loxley Road site, accommodating up to 2,500 people a day.

The proposal faced objections from The District Council's Environmental Health officers and local residents.

The Panel rejected the application due to concerns about noise nuisance and public safety.

1. Noise Issues:

• The Panel did not have the confidence that the festival operator would be able to comply with noise limits.
• Residents living nearby were likely to suffer disturbances.
• Unlike the annual fireworks display in November, the festival would last for 9-10 hours each day.

2. Traffic Management and Public Safety Concerns:

• The traffic plan relied on a temporary road closure for Loxley Road, which had not been applied for and would take up to 12 weeks to process.
• Without the closure, congestion and restricted emergency access were likely.
• Manor Road was suggested as an alternative route for emergency vehicles, but the Panel deemed it impractical due to expected congestion.

Given the concerns over noise nuisance and real risks to public safety posed by the inadequate traffic management plan, the Panel refuse the application.

Cllr David Curtis, Licensing Chair said: "The application for a Premises Licence for the Cider and Music Festival at Stratford Rugby Club was refused primarily due to concerns regarding noise levels and significant risks to public safety posed by the lack of a robust traffic management plan.  Despite efforts by the event organisers to address these concerns - including reducing the operating hours and limiting the event to a one-off occurrence - The Panel ultimately decided the risks were too significant.

"The Panel was particularly concerned about the proximity of residential properties and rejected comparisons with the annual fireworks display, which is much shorter and does not require a licence."