HUMAN ZOO EVENT

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This event has now been cancelled. I'm currently in the process of gathering more information, and will provide a report on the BLOG at a later date and in next months edition of the magazine.

The article below is a reprint of the article ran within the Moreton Hall Directory -August edition, before the event was cancelled. If you have any views you would like to express, please comment below.


Article - From August edition of The Moreton Hall Directory.

At the time of going to print a licensed, policed event is planned to be held at Rougham. The music and arts weekender is licensed for 5,000 people and whilst the festival has created a lot of buzz nationally, residents on Moreton Hall have raised concerns, and expressed quite strong opposition to the event. I asked some people from the area how they felt and what their concerns were, and I also met with the organisers to hear what they had to say. Here’s a summary of my findings.

What Residents say
From the people I spoke to, and the feedback they provided, there seemed to be a mix of opinions. Whilst there were definitely a number who opposed the event strongly, there was also feedback to indicate that some residents are indifferent to the event, or indeed are in favour of it.

Concerns expressed have been over the level of noise for the 3 day period of the event. People would not so much mind a one day event finishing at 11pm, but fear they will be inflicted with noise from the event disturbing their entire weekend. Plus they feel it is inappropriate given the fact that Moreton Hall is largely a family orientated community.

Some residents feel that the type of music the event is promoting resembles more of a rave than a family orientated festival, and are concerned about control over crime, safety, drug use, alcohol abuse, and the impact on local services in dealing with any incidents.

Residents are also concerned about the number of people attending the event; the impact this will have on traffic, medical incidents and the NHS services, and any people leaving the event and wandering around Moreton Hall.

Those that are in favour or indifferent generally felt that it should be given a chance, and that as long as it is controlled and managed effectively, it ought not be a problem.


Residents Quotes:

“Is this an appropriate event to be held close to a residential family community?”

“As long as it is controlled and managed effectively is it a problem?”

“Let’s face it, its going to be a Human Zoo – even the name conjours up negative connotations”

“ It would be great for the teenage community who find it difficult to find things to do with their time currently”

“I worry about the NHS & policing resources if there is trouble and the effect on our own local facilities.”

“I wish the organisers every success - I think we should give this event the
benefit of the doubt and should it be upsetting to the community after the
event, I am sure that our council representatives will base decisions in the
future on the outcome rather than the fears of what might happen.”

“I don’t want to hear the thump, thump, thump of Drum n Bass all weekend”



What the Organisers say
They have worked very closely with the police, and would like to assure residents that they have taken every step possible to ensure minimum disturbance. They have exceeded the government guidelines for security by 50% for an event of this size, and are complying with all Health & Safety regulations. They have gone to great lengths to create minimal noise pollution to surrounding areas by employing sound experts recommended by the government. The predicted noise level is well within guidelines but will be monitored by staff from the event around the area throughout the weekend. The entire arena will be surrounded by a 4metre high rubber acoustic back up wall to absorb some of the noise, and they will be using the very latest in sound technology which has been designed to ensure maximum sound quality for people at the event, whilst simultaneously aiming to direct the noise and bass into the arena and away from surrounding sensitive areas.

They fully intend for the event to be a family orientated festival, and have organised various activities throughout the day, such as break dance work shops, yoga & healing, a Bedouin Cinema, and stilt walkers to name just a few. Whilst they agree that many of the headline artists are top DJ’s within the dance industry, they also have a wide array of other musicians to cater for many other tastes.

The organisers are keen to express that a considerable amount of thought and planning, has gone into this legal event, which aims to bring something positive to the local community. They believe there is a shortage of this kind of festival in the area, and many people from this locality travel to much larger, more expensive festivals around the UK. They wanted to create an event on a much smaller scale, with a friendly vibe, and attention to detail. They have involved local businesses as much as possible, and are keen to run an event which does not exploit festival goers with over priced goods, drinks and food. They would like to run this event annually, and have put as many steps in place as possible in order to prove the event will be managed and controlled effectively. They were applying to extend the license to 2.00am, but have withdrawn this application in order to demonstrate they are prepared to compromise.



The Proof is in the Pudding
As it stands the event will go ahead. I hope the steps the organisers claim to have made prove to be successful, and that both party goers and concerned residents will feel satisfied. If you have any concerns or views before, during or after the event please remember to contact your councillors to enable them to take any appropriate steps.

You may also express your views by commenting below. All comments will be viewed by the moderator before publishing.Only constructive, polite comments will be accepted.

For more information on the event refer to their website: www.humanzooevents.co.uk