Oak PhotographyPlans to extend a music festival from one to three days have been scaled back following objections.
Stir Events is applying to alter its licence for Cliff Top Music Festival in Highcliffe, Dorset, which has been taking place since 2023.
Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council was among those objecting, citing concerns such as noise, antisocial behaviour and transport issues.
Stir Events, a community interest company, said it was “listening and responding” and was now seeking a two-day licence with shorter hours and a range of mitigation measures.
The festival began as a free one-day community event, attended by about 8,000 people.
Mandy Polkey, of Stir Events, said its popularity had been unexpected, putting pressure on parking and traffic, so fencing and ticketing was introduced in 2024, along with a park-and-ride.
She said: “Each year we have acted promptly on feedback, strengthened our management plans, and worked hard to deliver a safe, enjoyable and well-run community event for Highcliffe.”
Oak PhotographySeptember’s event attracted 2,500 people.
There are 4,500 tickets available each day on 5-6 September 2026, when Robert Arkins’ Commitments and the Fleetwood Mac Experience will be headlining.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the parish council’s letter to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council described the festival as being “just within the margin of tolerance” and the “proposed intensification would take the impact far beyond that margin”.
In an update posted on Facebook, Stir Events said it had “formally responded” to 19 issues raised in the 11 objections submitted.
“We recognise and respect the concerns brought forward by residents and have amended our proposal significantly to minimise any perceived impact,” it said.
Measures include limiting noise to a maximum of 65 decibels, directional speakers facing the sea and a minimum 40m gap to the nearest property.
