Glastonbury refused licence - Michael Eavis to appeal

http://www.festivals.co.uk/news/021212c.shtml

Back at Mendip District Council for another marathon Glastonbury Public Entertainments Licence (PEL) hearing. It's becoming like a second home.

Michael EavisMichael Eavis arrived just before the 6pm start, and there was the chance for a quick word. When asked what he felt the chances were the reply was "50-50".

It's the Regulatory Board that decides on the granting of the PEL. After the introductions and the obligatory bureaucratic legalese, it was down to business.

For the applicant – Glastonbury Festivals (2003) Ltd (which is Glastonbury Festivals (2002) Ltd after a rename) – Mark Cann ran through the application.

He started by stating the successes of this year: the new management structure; dealing with the New Age Travellers; the marketing plan – getting the "No Ticket – No Festival" message across; the fence and the numbers on site; the safety management; operations control. These were all things demanded at the licence hearing for 2002, and successfully delivered.

There had also been tri-partate agreements made with Avon & Somerset Constabulary (ASC) and the Council, with co-operation creating solutions. To ensure the successes aren't short lived, they are continuing to work together to solve problems that exist in other areas – the main one being the crime and general annoyance suffered by those living around the Festival site, in particular Pilton.

To ensure the security measures continue to work, there's to be new and extra security measures on the tickets, as well as a new pass system. The fence is to stay much the same, but security is to have an increase in personnel size of 35%, and there'll be additional security control, car park security & lighting, as well as more CCTV. For obvious reasons, the details weren't disclosed.

An area of concern after this year was the campervan fields: they're to be properly and securely enclosed, but still off the main site. However, a secure route to the site will be made.

The "No Ticket – No Festival" message is to be continued, but with "You've helped save the Festival now give it a future" added. It's important for its continuance that no one comes without a ticket. Mark stated that he believed that the "fence jumper" culture had been broken.

The traffic exit plan is to be improved, to speed up the Monday getaway. To help, the production de-rig is to be delayed until late on Monday, and the traders discouraged from leaving.

Public transport coped well, and the car parks easily accommodated the 26,000 cars. In fact, with a capacity of 40,000, they are spaces to accommodate the increased numbers expected in 2003 – the licence application is for 150,000 (that's 112,500 weekend tickets for sale, 3,500 Sunday tickets and 34,000 staff/performers, etc. That's no increase in staff/performers, which isn't fantastic news I feel). The ticket price has yet to be set.

Noise from the site is a nuisance to those living nearby, but this will be lessened because there's to be one less venue (which wasn't disclosed – we presume it's the Experience Tent), and the cinema is to be moved.

There was a lot of pollution to the water courses around the site – DON'T PISS IN THE HEDGES! To help improve things, they'll be fencing along streams, a PR campaign, more urinals (although they already exceed industry standards) and the long-drop toilets are to be made watertight. There was a leak this year, and that was the major cause of the pollution. The amazing amount of litter produced (but no more than we'd produce at home – I think one councillor thought we create no rubbish when at home) is to be better managed - including a review of the free on-site newspaper as that causes a litter problem.

The main concern though was what was happening outside the fence. GFL recognise the problems, and are having ongoing discussions with the surrounding villages to come up with the right solutions. GFL have promised to provide 24 hour cover (in 3 shifts) of a police sergeant and 6 PCs to be stationed in Pilton (over and above what the police themselves consider necessary) as well as other extra security measures.

As the meeting progresses, it becomes evident that there is a small group – about 15 – of locals present who are fed up with the problems the Festival causes them. As Mark tries to continue through the extra village measures, their moaning becomes ever louder. As Mark tries to finish off with "it was always a great festival and now it's a well managed and well planned festival" a voice is clearly heard to say "you don't give a stuff and you never have". Mark insists that they "can work together to solve outstanding problems".

It becomes clear that the villagers present were not happy with the security personel this year, and demand extra police rather than private security.

The Council's own officer – Chris Malcolmson – now delivers his report. His responsibility is ensuring compliance of any laws as well as any specific PEL conditions. He believes that the "issues of the villagers have been addressed in the application, or will be in the licence", and sees no reason to refuse the PEL. He believes that the vast majority of non-ticket holders were intent on crime rather than getting inside the site, and says that if the unofficial car parks were stopped then there would be nowhere for the criminals to park. GFL are attempting to come to arrangements with those involved, but there is then some discussion on what measures could be taken against those operators. The words used to explain the Police refusal to comment I understood to mean they believed that those operators could be committing an offence for which they could be prosecuted.

Chief Superintendent John Buckley (of ASC) wasn't very supportive of the 2002 application. I remember sitting through about an hour and a half of his concerns at the beginning of the year. The change now is astounding. He is brief, and generally supportive. A very good summary was given: "If we felt these measures were inadequate we would be objecting". From a man who hates to commit to anything, that's as strong words of support as he's ever likely to give.

Of the ticket-less outside, he believes that the majority were intent on crime. He mentions that there are 5 police forces around the country that suffer similarly from criminals at large events, and they are starting to plan joint action to tackle it.

Although there is good support from the Police, the Council's compliance officer and others such as the Fire Service, during questions and discussions it's becoming clear that there is stronger and more confident opposition from some members of the Regulatory Board. I'm starting to get worried about which way it will go.

It's the public's chance to express their concerns next. They are reminded that each new speaker is not to cover ground raised by previous speakers. They're aware of this, and all but one speak from pre-prepared notes. This is obviously a concerted campaign.

These people are obviously very unhappy about the problems the Festival cause them, and I'm sure have good reasons for their unhappiness. But for most, I'm not convinced that any measures would be enough – they want shot of the festival, for good, and suggestions are made that it should find another site (where exactly? I don't think anywhere new would be welcoming of a festival even half its size.)

Here are some quotes (these are VERY typical – not choice selections!): "a war-zone" "a very real threat to public order" "to approve the application would be a mockery ... elected members don't really represent those who elected them" "has the Council considered that the Festival would be offensive to Muslims ..." [not some Muslims, all of them, apparently – ed] "... and as such would be the target for a terrorist attack". [Because of course, all Muslims are terrorists, aren’t they? - ed] "we are not going to remain victims of this Festival – we will fight back" "significant environmental damage"

These are such a lovely bunch of people, I wish I was married to them. One lady in the gallery was heard to say "hippies" with total disgust ... but I'm convinced she'd be welcoming of those of a different skin colour.

In the end, the major discussion was about Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It appeared those against had been doing a LOT of homework. This law places a poorly defined (if the words used in the hearing were accurate) obligation on a council to ensure it doesn't do things to increase crime in its area. The Council's own solicitor seemed to think the Council would not be breaking Section 17 by granting a PEL, whilst the objectors did. Although other legal reasons to refuse the PEL were tossed around – such as the fitness of the applicant to run the event (including a rather underhand attempt to have Michael Eavis branded a criminal), and the environmental damage, this was the one used with the fullest force.

When it came to the vote a motion was put to refuse the PEL. It went 5-4 for the motion, and against the Festival. Michael immediately left the room, and missed a second vote, also carried 5-4; that they'd welcome another application from GFL, but for a different site. Quite why they didn't get on the horse themselves to run Michael out of town I don’t know.

After a few minutes to compose himself, Michael emerged to state that an appeal (which is heard by magistrates – essentially to see if the Regulatory Board had given proper legal reasons for refusal) would be lodged in the morning. The Festival has been refused a licence before, has always appealed, and has always won. (The licence application wasn't heard in 2001 - it was withdrawn when it became obvious that it would be legitimately refused.)

On speaking to some of those involved – all off the record (but not just those close to GFL) there was a very strong opinion that the Festival has very strong grounds for an appeal. I think it unlikely that a magistrate would believe the Regulatory Board's grounds that Pilton couldn't be properly policed when the Police themselves believe it can.

GFL has put in extraordinary efforts over the last year and did everything expected and requested in putting on the 2002 Festival. It feels unfair in the extreme that it is now penalised for aspects reasonably outside of its control - certainly much of it outside the licenced area - while at the same time it is willing to put in the necessary effort - and funds - to resolve those problems this time around.

A-spire squat in Headingley

A-Spire V - Wonderful Party/Police Raid

"I went to the party at the latest A-spire squat in Headingley on Saturday night. Whilst there I was inspired to write this article about what a positive experience I had, unfortunately I now have to also write about the police raiding and everything going horribly wrong..

I've been to A-spire before and was really inspired by such an organised, positive place with so much going on in a short space of time. I'll refer you to their website (http://www.a-spire.org.uk) for more details, but basically A-spire are a group of people who sometimes squat buildings in Leeds for a few weeks, not just to live in but to run a free shop, café, dozens of events and generally "provide a place where people can go during the day or night and socialise away from the buy, buy, buy mentality that is present day capitalism." (from A-spire website) To me it's both a refreshing break for those of us who feel surrounded by a world/system/culture which we don't really connect with, and also a powerful coming together of all kinds of political, social, protest, environmental movements/campaigns/groups/people.

The most recent A-spire in Headingley was open from November 14-24, taking over a disused building to create a phenomenally busy, well organised and creative space for 10 days which provided a home for talks, workshops, open mic nights, bands, kids' activities, alternative health/healing, protest meetings etc. etc. etc. To me, a community centre in its truest sense. Having been unable to go all week I was really looking forward to going to the final night party this Saturday..

We walked into the huge building to be greeted by a cheerful man on the door collecting donations and spent a few minutes getting our bearings - what a place! A huge amount of care and energy had obviously been put into making this a special place: everything from an indoor skate ramp, to a glow in the dark decoration-adorned rave room, to a room full of information on what had been happening during the week and the activities of the many and various groups who have been involved (Rising Tide, Peat Alert etc.). There were even fully functional and very clean toilets - better than I've seen in many places I paid a fortune to get into. The whole thing was clearly well run, well organised and the result of a lot of hard work - instantly dismissing the stereotypes of shambolic, disorganised hippies/crusties (not my view I might add!). Obviously filling a largely unventilated building with few windows and exits full of people might be a bit dangerous, but this had clearly been considered as a crowd of people were waiting (peacefully) outside having been told the building was full. I felt considerably safer than I have in many supposedly safe night-clubs etc. - both in physical terms and a million times more so in emotional/spiritual terms.

Which was the main reason I had such an amazing night, I'm not a person to quickly feel comfortable anywhere but within minutes I felt completely at home, safe and comfortable in every sense. It appeared everyone else did too, even those who had clearly wandered in not knowing what to expect, been a bit freaked out, but then realised just what a special place this was. We spent 5 hours sitting around in various rooms, having lovely chats with complete strangers, watching everyone else having as good a time as we were, dancing to fantastic music, smiling, laughing and surrounded by more positive energy than I think I've ever felt in one place.

And that's where this article should have ended, but I'm sorry to say it doesn't….

One minute there I am dancing with a crowd of wonderful, happy people, feeling utterly content and free and hoping this won't end for a VERY long time, when suddenly my friend runs into the room, panicking and screaming at me that 'we have to get out, they've gassed us'. Then an announcement comes over the sound system that the police have broken in (smashing the front window) and we are all to leave quietly.

It was a testament to the atmosphere of the place and the attitude of all involved that there was absolutely no panic, no pushing, we all just left, confused and a little scared but very peaceful, and walked out the door to one of the most bizarre and unnecessary sights I have ever seen - the main road (Otley Road) completely blocked by at least 20 police cars, several vans and at least 50 police officers.

I'm sad to say that I then witnessed something which, although I've read about it so many times, I didn't quite believe happened just this way - blatant, unprovoked and unjustified provocation of violence by the police. I watched as they randomly picked on people, treating them in a violent and frankly inhumane manner (by inhumane I mean without any regard whatsoever for people as human, thinking, emotional, spiritual beings as opposed to objects to be moved, disposed of/punished) and throwing them into vans. As we all stood on the road trying to find our friends (again a testament to the spirit of the night that we weren't with the friends we came with because everyone was making new friends) and find out why exactly this had happened, suddenly a row of police clad in full bullet proof black gear (believe me, this is VERY intimidating and scary in itself before any action is taken) marched up to the Headingley end of the area of blocked road and started shoving people in the opposite direction, yelling at us to move - no consideration, no polite request, they just shoved us. Our crime? Standing quietly in the middle of a road block caused by the police. Everything was designed to confuse - rows of flashing lights, cold faced police people, being so quickly ejected from a building into the freezing cold night and shoved around with no explanation, not knowing where to go - I know the area like the back of my hand but many people didn't and had no idea where their friends were or how they were going to get home. I didn't realise how confused and dazed I was until today when I wondered why I hadn't talked to more people, found out what was happening, gathered information for this article. The whole operation (and I call it that because it was clearly very well organised and planned) was certainly very effective in turning a happy, friendly bunch of people into a mass of confused, upset and occasionally angry souls with no idea of quite what was going on.

I had a strange mixture of feelings, no anger though, just sadness: sadness that this can happen in a 'civilised' society; sadness that the police, who are human beings just like you and me, could treat other human beings in such a barbaric way; and sadness that just a few minutes earlier I had been surrounded by such positivity but that this is somehow unacceptable. This positive spirit still continued despite the confusion as we walked away - I stayed for a while and did not see one scrap of violent or aggressive behaviour that was not initiated by the police.

I can only hope that there were enough police left over in the city to deal with the rapes, beatings up, abuse, drink driving, speeding and other violent crimes that were no doubt occurring at the same time as a few hundred peaceful souls were being treated like objects.

What I find so strange is that on Saturday night I broke several laws, I could very easily have been arrested if the policemen I talked to, trying to explain what a peaceful event this was, had taken a dislike to me or I'd been caught up in one of the skirmishes, and I could in theory as a result have lost my job as a teacher. Why? Because I chose, along with many and various others, to reject the money-oriented, negative, mistrusting society we find ourselves in for one night, and celebrate an alternative with people who feel the same way as me in a united, peaceful, positive, open and overall HAPPY space. I live most of my life surrounded by people whose lifestyles, opinions and beliefs I find odd (sometimes downright crazy and wrong) but accept completely (everyone has their own choice), but given the rare chance to be around people who feel just like me (in a very broad sense - there were a huge variety of people there), for just a few hours, I am treated as if I am behaving wrongly and unacceptably (where's my choice?). I am a tolerant, decent, open minded member of society, I wouldn't harm a soul and I'm certain that nothing I or anyone else at A-spire did on Saturday night did, what exactly have we done that is so wrong? Please let me know 'cos I can't figure it out.

I have yet to discover why the police raid happened and what their justification was - as soon as I do I'll add to this article. The only news report I've found was on teletext - they reported that 12 people had been arrested (four later charged of affray) at a 'party' in Headingley. If you have any further info/opinions please send them to: freedom@leeds365.co.uk. (ed: or forward them to info@leedsef.org.uk)

I sincerely hope that I've written nothing in this article which might misrepresent or offend anyone involved in A-spire or anyone who was there on Saturday - please please let me know if I have, or if you want me to add/remove information from this article." - Catherine Tonge (Monday November 25th)


thanks to Catherine, and Emyln @ www.leeds365.com, for this article.

Stonehenge Solstice Celebration 2003: News just in ......!

PRESS RELEASE

December 2002

Stonehenge Solstice Celebration 2003

The Stonehenge Solstice Celebration Co Ltd has been set up to administer a legal, not-for-profit celebration of life, love and unity over the Summer Solstice period in 2003.

This celebration is designed to complement the existing ‘Managed Open Access’ at Stonehenge itself, which has been running successfully for three years. Proposals for a celebration, at some distance from Stonehenge, have repeatedly been encouraged at meetings this year by both the Police and English Heritage, to fulfil the need and desire for a Midsummer celebration in the community at large.

It is proposed that the celebration will last for a week, and will be free at the point of entry, although a charge per vehicle will be levied for parking, to assist the sustainability of the project. It will be community-based and will operate to the highest possible ecological standards. We are looking at alternative energy sources, full recycling, and a minimal use of plastics on site.

‘Be the change that you want to see in this world’ is our guiding principle, to quote Mahatma Gandhi.

It is our goal to:

- integrate the spirit of community with a rich mixture of culture, music, art, spiritual values, healing, ecology and education

- bridge the gap between the people and the authorities across the whole generational, cultural and ethnic spectrum

- provide a platform for mutual respect and the development of communication skills

- restore peace and harmony to our world through the enrichment of all our lives

We will be inviting applications from a wide range of high-quality, organic food vendors and other stall-holders. Artists, performers and teachers everywhere are encouraged to participate, as well as representatives of charities and other organizations committed to making the world a better place. We intend to involve the local community as fully as possible, and to create an event that will be family-friendly. All are welcomed who come in peace.

This initial press release is intended to communicate the current status of the project and to aid the search for a suitable venue for the celebration, so that the myriad groups interested in its manifestation can begin a major fund-raising operation, as well as preparing and submitting the necessary permit applications.

The proposed Stonehenge Solstice Celebration is unlike anything that has ever been done before. We anticipate that fundraising will come from the unlikeliest sources, people that none of us may yet know who have also been carrying the prospect of a Stonehenge Solstice Celebration in their hearts for all these years. For the last three decades in particular, people from all walks of life have celebrated Stonehenge and carried its significance into social, spiritual and political arenas of extraordinary diversity.

To conclude, this celebration, like 'Managed Open Access', is about a particular time and place - Stonehenge and the Summer Solstice. Midsummer celebrations, centred on the solstice, have a long and illustrious history. The Summer Solstice is the centrepiece of a solar year that was of the utmost importance to the builders of Stonehenge, who raised their sarsen temple towards it over 4,000 years ago, in a landscape that has been sacred for 10,000 years. We don’t know what they did there, but we can infer that the celebrations focused on an endlessly repeating seasonal cycle that is in stark contrast to the modern world of linear time and the wanton exploitation of nature. Stonehenge takes us back in time to that place, and renews that promise every Midsummer.

And it’s worth noting that we’re also reviving a celebration that has manifested itself in various forms at other times. Throughout recorded history, fire festivals and symbolic representations of the turning of the solar year, including burning wheels and bonfires, were widespread at the Summer Solstice, and there are records of Midsummer celebrations taking place at Stonehenge at various times from the 13th to the 19th centuries, long before the Druids, pagans or any of us turned up, and long before the free festival.

We are part of a bigger picture.