A community events team is planning to host a vibrant two-day festival in a North London park, celebrating both the Hindu Festival of Colors and International Women's Day, despite significant opposition from local residents who fear a repeat of past disruptions. Asian Events Media has submitted an application to Brent Council for an alcohol and entertainment license to hold the event in Roe Green Park, Kingsbury, on March 7 and 8 this year.
Festival Details and Community Celebration
The festival aims to bring together up to 2,500 attendees over the weekend, with tickets priced at £5 each. Activities will include a stage featuring live performers, dancers, religious music, and various food and non-food stalls, along with kid-friendly activities. For the Hindu community, Holi marks the arrival of spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil, traditionally involving dancing, singing, and the throwing of colored powder and water.
Licensing and Event Schedule
The license application seeks permission for regulated entertainment and the sale of alcohol, specifically beer from one stall, from 12 noon until 7 pm on both days. Holi Festival will be celebrated on March 7, followed by International Women's Day on March 8. Organizers emphasize that the event is designed for the local community to enjoy, with a focus on family-friendly activities.
Resident Concerns and Past Issues
However, the plans have sparked strong objections from residents who point to a previous event in the park that they describe as "poorly controlled," leading to significant public safety issues, damage to parkland, and serious disruption. Key concerns include:
- Traffic and Parking Chaos: Residents claim that a similar event last year caused "chaos" due to inadequate parking controls, with vehicles driven over grassed areas in an uncontrolled manner, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians and the community.
- Noise Nuisance: The proposed use of amplified sound throughout both days is seen as a significant risk of public nuisance, given that Roe Green Park is surrounded by residential properties.
- Alcohol-Related Risks: Objections highlight fears that the sale of alcohol could increase the risk of crime and antisocial behavior as attendees disperse into surrounding streets after the event.
Security and Safety Measures
In response, Asian Events Media has committed to ensuring public safety by deploying 15 SIA-badged security personnel to monitor the event and remove individuals if necessary. Organizers stress that many families will be in attendance, and they aim to adhere to safety protocols. However, residents have criticized past security staff as "rude" and unresponsive to issues outside the event fencing.
Council Review and Next Steps
The license application will be reviewed by Brent Council's Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee at a meeting on February 25. It is important to note that the refusal of the premises license does not automatically block the entire event; that decision will be made by the Brent Safety Advisory Group. This process highlights the ongoing tension between community celebration and resident welfare in urban event planning.
As London continues to host diverse cultural events, this case underscores the challenges of balancing festive activities with neighborhood concerns over traffic, noise, and safety. The outcome of the council meeting will set a precedent for future events in the area, potentially influencing how similar festivals are managed to mitigate disruptions while celebrating cultural traditions.
