7:50am Monday 29th June 2009
By James Williams
The Moonfest 2009 festival will go ahead in Westbury after the organisers received a licence even though last year’s festival was cancelled at the eleventh hour.
Last year’s festival was called off when Wiltshire Police won a court order eight days beforehand, after security fears over the festival, due to be headlined by Pete Doherty’s band Babyshambles.
Undeterred, John Green, organiser of Moonfest, pressed on with organising this year’s festival, which will be headlined by former Darkness frontman, Justin Hawkins and his new band Hot Leg, at Storridge Farm, Westbury, on August 30.
Mr Green was delighted the festival has received an entertainments licence from Wiltshire Council after a 28-day consultation period.
He said: “The whole team have put in nine months of hard work liaising with the police.
“The police have been absolutely marvellous throughout the process and we now have a very close working relationship with them.
“The enthusiasm and support we’ve received from Wiltshire Council has been overwhelming and I want to say a big thanks to them.
“We’ve had no objections from the public or authorities which shows the level of support we have.
“I can’t wait for the festival. It’s going to be a fantastic day and the weather is supposed to be amazing as well.”
Inspector Dave Minty, of Warminster and Westbury Police, said: "We are working closely with the event organisers and look forward to a safe and successful event for all those attending."
The event will have two stages, Moonfest Marquee and the Eclectic Marquee, with local bands such as The Volt, Ulysses and Souljacker all performing.
Devizes samba band Oi Sambistas will also be entertaining the crowds around the site as well as roaming circus acts.
The event will also include a fun fair, trade stalls and a display by 76-year-old former helicopter freestyle world champion Dennis Kenyon, who has performed helicopter stunts in various James Bond films.
For details visit www.moonfest.co.uk
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