5,000 expected at 'Peoples Festival' (From Bucks Free Press)

5,000 expected at 'Peoples Festival'

12:15pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008 in

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REGGAE stars Scratch Perry and Finley Quaye are to headline at a music festival that could attract a crowd of 5,000 people to the Rye next month.

But the gig has been dismissed as a "mini-Glastonbury" by a heritage group who say it is not being held in an appropriate place.

The High Wycombe Society, originally set up as a preservation group for the Rye, say there are "major issues" over the proposed 'Peoples' Festival'.

Between eight and ten bands and artists are due to play at the gig on August 23, subject to it being given a license by Wycombe District Council.

Tony Fooks, vice chairman of the High Wycombe Society, said: "It's almost like a mini-Glastonbury. We see very major issues.

"We do not believe it would be the right place for such large numbers to have alcohol on the premises.

"Secondly, we are very concerned with the noise of the music. They must be retained within the recognised decibel level set by the Licensing authority.

"We are also concerned where all the numbers coming from are going to park and where they are going to stay."

Mr Fooks added: "We are not opposed to a pop concert, just not on this scale. It's beyond the capability of the infrastructure in place."

But organiser Marco Iorio said: "Festival is a scary word - people think of Glastonbury. All we are doing is a little event on the Rye. It's not a massive event, it's going to be a magical event. It's something for the town.

"We have to make sure everything's secure and people are safe. The only way it can work properly is to make sure everything is prepared properly.

"It's not about youngsters getting drunk and smashing the place up. I want kids to go down and enjoy the day."

Mr Iorio added special speakers that could target specific areas of the Rye would be used to keep noise levels down.

A decision on whether a license will be granted for the event will be made within the next week.