A CONTROVERSIAL music festival has been granted permission to take place at a farm just outside Wokingham next weekend.
Billed as an ‘intimate boutique’ festival, Varkala Festival will take place at Park View Farm, in Old Wokingham Road, between August 12 and 14 after the organisers received an eleventh-hour approval from Bracknell Forest Council.
Concerns had been raised over the level of noise the dance music festival would generate, leading to the council rejecting the festival’s licence application in early July.
But organiser Jamie Bowkett announced on Wednesday that those concerns had been addressed, and the application had been approved meaning the house, techno, funk and soul festival could go ahead.
He said: “We’re so pleased to have received confirmation that our application for Varkala Festival 2016 has been approved by the council, thanks to having robustly addressed any concerns around potential noise levels in the area.
“We have an amazing team in place, with a huge amount of expertise between us, to pull off what we believe will be a unique music festival experience; and we’re thrilled that Bracknell Forest Council has recognised the sheer volume of work that has gone into this year’s planning.
“After some back and forth, we’re also chuffed that everyone will be able to book their tickets safe in the knowledge that Varkala Festival is 100% confirmed to go ahead.
“Our new site at Park View Farm gives Varkala Festival more room to achieve our vision for the event – with better stage positions and camping options to make the most of the stunning venue.”
A weekend ticket with camping is £79. To buy tickets and for more information visit www.varkalafestival.com.
