A Gloucestershire-based psytrance festival is facing cancellation after residents expressed concerns about the noise levels, likening it to “a form of torture.” The annual Goa Cream Festival was scheduled to take place at Yewtree Farm near Thornbury, South Gloucestershire from September 12 to 14 for its ninth edition. However, local councillors denied the organizers permission to host the event at the site following complaints from nearby residents.
According to a report by BBC News, Avon and Somerset police environmental officers raised objections after receiving 11 complaints following last year’s festival. Residents in the area cited issues such as headaches and windows shaking due to the heavy bass music. One resident described the experience as “almost inhumane and a form of torture.” Organizers of the Goa Cream Festival, including Piers Ciappara, admitted to past shortcomings in monitoring sound levels, with no sound engineer on-site during previous editions.
An environmental health officer stated that they did not receive official readings from the event, but instead were presented with “screenshots of equipment readings” and handwritten notes. Ciappara explained at a licensing hearing that difficulties in providing accurate data last year were due to unforeseen circumstances, as a team member involved in sound monitoring had an accident and could not compile a proper report. Despite these challenges, organizers reassured authorities that they now have a professional team in place to oversee sound levels at future events.
In light of the noise complaints and environmental concerns, the fate of the Goa Cream Festival remains uncertain as organizers work to address issues raised by residents and officials. The festival’s future hangs in the balance as discussions continue regarding its impact on the local community and the measures that need to be taken to mitigate noise disturbances in the future
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