The Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee of Wiltshire Council was scheduled to consider an application for a Premises Licence for GemFest, to be held at Charlton Park Estate, Malmesbury. The meeting's agenda focused on the details of this application, including the proposed licensable activities, timings, and capacity, alongside representations received from local residents and parish councils.

Application for a Premises Licence for GemFest

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the application for a Premises Licence for GemFest, submitted by Gemfestival Ltd. The application sought to permit a range of licensable activities, including plays, films, live and recorded music, performances of dance, and anything similar, as well as late-night refreshment and the sale of alcohol. The proposed hours for these activities extended into the early morning on Friday and Saturday nights, with the premises open to the public from Thursday to Monday. The application also indicated a proposed capacity of up to 14,999 attendees, with a phased increase over three years.

The meeting was to consider the details of the application, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the public reports pack¹, which included proposed timings for licensable activities and the hours the premises would be open to the public.

Representations Received

A significant portion of the scheduled discussion was dedicated to the 11 relevant representations received concerning the application. Of these, nine were in objection, primarily from local residents and parish councils, citing concerns related to the prevention of public nuisance, particularly excessive noise and bass from music, and public safety due to potential late-night driving by attendees. Specific concerns were raised about noise levels impacting sleep and general well-being, as well as the potential for audible bad language from performers and drug-related activity. Representations also highlighted issues with road safety, with concerns about pedestrians walking on nearby roads late at night.

Two representations were received in support of the application, based on positive experiences at the 2025 GemFest event, highlighting professional security, good site management, and a lack of anti-social behaviour or disturbance.

The memo from Damaris Broad, Environmental Health Officer for Wiltshire Council (Appendix 2 of the public reports pack²), explained why no representation was made by the Public Protection team, noting that the proposed hours were acceptable and that noise from GemFest in 2025 was observed to be well-managed.

Noise Management and Public Nuisance Concerns

A key focus of the objections was the prevention of public nuisance, specifically concerning noise levels. Several representations detailed experiences of excessive noise, particularly low-frequency bass, from the 2025 event, which they stated was disruptive to sleep and general quality of life. Concerns were raised about the proposed extension of licensable activities until 2 am on Friday and Saturday nights, with some objectors suggesting a curtailment to midnight or 1 am, and advocating for annual licence renewals to allow for review.

The applicant's submission, detailed in the supplementary agenda report³, included a comprehensive Noise Management Plan (NMP) developed by Joynes Nash Acoustics. This plan outlined strategies for monitoring and controlling noise, including agreed music limits, stage positioning, monitoring locations, and procedures for responding to complaints. The applicant also highlighted efforts to engage with the community, including meetings with parish councils and residents, and proposed improvements to the noise hotline and the introduction of an online reporting form.

Public Safety and Road Concerns

Concerns regarding public safety were also raised, particularly in relation to attendees walking on the B4040 road late at night. The applicant's Pedestrian Safety Plan⁴ detailed measures to mitigate these risks, including advance communication about shuttle buses, on-site shop facilities to reduce the need for attendees to leave the site, and improved signage.

Previous Event and Licensing History

The reports pack provided context on previous events at Charlton Park Estate, including WOMAD, and the licensing history for 2025, which saw new festivals including GemFest and Existance operating under time-limited licences. The application itself was for a new premises licence, with the applicant proposing a phased increase in capacity and a staggered approach to extending operating hours.