Hyde Park concerts at risk after neighbours complain about noise
Gigs set for this summer in Hyde Park, London are reportedly at risk because of complaints by local residents.
The London Evening Standard writes that Mayfair residents have complained about the noise from the regular shows which take place in the public park every summer. Rihanna and Drake are set to headline Wireless Festival over the weekend of July 6-8, while Madonna will play the park on July 11 and Bruce Springsteen on July 14.
The acts most at risk of being pulled are dance acts who play repetitive beats. A report says last summer 109 complaints about the noise were made, which was double the number from 2010. Westminster councillors have said they want to cut the number of shows from 13 to six each summer, as well as lower the noise levels from 75 to 73 decibels and reduce gig capacity from 80,000 to 50,000 people. A meeting will take place on February 17 to decide on the new restrictions.
The Evening Standard quotes two local residents who say of the noise: “It’s pretty bad. There are two issues for us – the number of concerts and noise they’re allowed to make. If you sit here with the windows open on a hot day, you can hear every word,” says Mike Dunn, vice-chairman of the Mayfair Residents Group.
Meanwhile, Councillor Glenys Roberts said: “I like to watch the men’s Wimbledon final but there’s always a concert on that Sunday and the noise completely drowns out the television.”
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has also stepped into the debate, adding: “I want to see Madonna in Hyde Park and so does everybody else, I hope a good solution will be reached this week.”
From NME.com. Read the original story from the Evening Standard at thisislondon.co.uk.
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