Psytrance Party Approved: Existance Festival Set to Rock September!

The Existance music festival, which features psychedelic trance music known as psytrance, has been granted a licence to take place in September near Tetbury. The festival was originally planned for June but was postponed because the organisers needed to address some compliance issues. Local parish councils and residents had raised concerns about fire risks, noise pollution, and the impact on the environment. However, the fire service, police, and utility services did not raise any objections. The organisers said they had created a detailed management plan to ensure the event would be safe and well-run. Daniel Wilde, one of the organisers, expressed his happiness about the licence approval, saying that the goal is to run a safe and compliant event. He believes this is a positive outcome for everyone involved, not just the festival team. The licence was granted with conditions, including a traffic management plan and proper fire safety measures. There will be signs about pyrotechnics, barbecues, and safe ways to dispose of cigarettes.

Existance is a three-day festival, and up to 2,000 people are expected to attend over the weekend. The festival had previously been held in Wiltshire but was stopped due to complaints about noise levels, which the organisers blamed on a contractor. Ashley Green, a 37-year-old from Wales, is attending for the first time after becoming interested in psytrance music six years ago. He enjoys the repetitive sounds, especially the deep bass frequencies, and finds the music stimulating. Ashley also appreciates the sense of community at psytrance events, saying he has never seen any criminal activity at these festivals. He believes the events are a great opportunity for fans to meet, dance, and connect with each other. Daniel Wilde described psytrance as a unique and niche form of dance music, loved by its fans even though it is not widely known. Lorraine Jones, a DJ performing at the festival, said that psytrance festivals are full of people who are passionate about the music and come together to dance and enjoy themselves.

Despite the organisers' efforts, some local residents remain concerned. People living in the nearby village of Ashley are worried about noise, traffic, and fire risks. The organisers have a noise management plan that promises music will not be louder than 43 decibels outside the nearest homes after 11 pm, which they say is about as loud as a fridge humming. Judy Pratt, who is selling a farm next to the festival site, said she was angry and upset about the licence being granted. Di Thomas, chair of the Long Newnton Parish Council, criticised the organisers for not communicating with local residents or businesses. A nearby company that operates large trucks also raised concerns about traffic and said they had not been consulted. Rebecca Lowe, representing the organisers, said they are taking fire prevention seriously and have banned disposable barbecues and camp stoves. The police and fire service did not object to the festival. Lowe said the organisers will work with local businesses, residents, and councils to address any concerns and ensure the event is safe for everyone.