by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Lounge On The Farm organiser Sean Baker, pictured left, believes a new licence will secure the festival’s long-term security and stability.

Speaking in the same week Canterbury and Whitstable MP Julian Brazier added his support, Mr Baker hopes the team can learn lessons from last year’s expanded event.

He said: "We felt rather than fighting the concerns raised by both the police and the city council, it would be better to sit down with them and negotiate a new licence.

"A new licence will allow us to make the festival safer and stronger for years to come.

"We’ve been running the festival for six years and as it’s grown, there’s been a bigger impact on the local area. It needs to be better suited to its environment, our previous licence was tailored more to a capacity of 5,000 rather than 10,000.

"The infrastructure of the Merton Farm site needs changing and there’s an extra 50 acres we can free-up and use for car parking.

"That should ensure there’s less of an impact on areas like Nackington Road."

Mr Brazier joined more than 1,000 music fans who have signed a petition calling for Lounge On The Farm to continue.

Mr Baker admits his support is invaluable.

He added: "We weren’t expecting that at all to be honest.

"Having someone like Julian on board backing us just proves how well-known we’ve become in six years and the respect we’ve earned."

Mr Brazier said: "The festival is enjoyed by hundreds of young people each year.

"I signed the petition because so many young people only have positive things to say about the event. I’m in favour of giving them one more chance, so lets see how the new arrangements work."

Organisers hope to apply for the new licence in March and return next summer’s festival to its traditional music ethos.

• What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk or write to Gazette House, 5-8 Boorman Way, Estuary View Business Park, Whitstable, CT5 3SE.