Reading the Evening Post today, I couldn't help but question the incentive behind the decision of the Lib dem run Council in Swansea to ban large Festivals from Singleton Park in the future. This is in light of the recent cancellation of the highly anticipated Fflam Music Festival, which was cancelled at the last minute, allegedly due to weather conditions. There has been quite a debate in the local paper about this event. Residents in the surrounding area have been complaining about the noise and traffic which they allege would be a knock on affect of such events at the park. Lib dem Councillors have since issued a leaflet stating that no such events will take place in the future, although one day events such as the Proms in the Park will continue.
I do understand the residents' complaints, and sympathise with their concerns. Nevertheless, I was in favour of the the Fflam Festival taking place as it was set to bring some of the top bands of the moment to Swansea, and would have, in my opinion, developed Swansea as a prime tourist attraction. It would also have set the precedent for luring more top bands to the city to play in the future.
Perhaps the event was a little too over indulgent as a first event, and that a day of music would have been far more suitable. Perhaps Singleton Park wasn't the best location for all, but were other venues taken in to consideration beforehand?
The way in which this event has been argued out does make one question whether or not organisers will want to approach Swansea to host such events in the future. I sincerely hope so, but I also hope that we can learn from the mistakes made this time. Political capital notwithstanding!
I do understand the residents' complaints, and sympathise with their concerns. Nevertheless, I was in favour of the the Fflam Festival taking place as it was set to bring some of the top bands of the moment to Swansea, and would have, in my opinion, developed Swansea as a prime tourist attraction. It would also have set the precedent for luring more top bands to the city to play in the future.
Perhaps the event was a little too over indulgent as a first event, and that a day of music would have been far more suitable. Perhaps Singleton Park wasn't the best location for all, but were other venues taken in to consideration beforehand?
The way in which this event has been argued out does make one question whether or not organisers will want to approach Swansea to host such events in the future. I sincerely hope so, but I also hope that we can learn from the mistakes made this time. Political capital notwithstanding!
1 comment:
I totally agree with you about Fflam, Bethan. It's a huge shame it was cancelled. Maybe Singleton wasn't the best venue for it, though, given its close proximity to residential neighbourhoods, and the potential for environmental damage to the park itself. Let's hope the council's decision doesn't deter future promoters.
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