AMERICAN pop superstar Pink could be forced to turn the volume down during her concert due to be staged at Alton Towers.Parish councillors fear the gig could prove too loud for villagers and have recommended a sound monitor attends the performance with the powers to cut the noise if necessary.
An application for an outdoor concert licence for the theme park on June 27 has been lodged with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
The event is part of Pink’s first stadium tour of the UK and Ireland, titled The Funhouse Carnival. Gates would open at 3.30pm with the music expected to start at 5pm and the organisers are hoping it will attract 32,000 fans.
Plans for the gig show a temporary stage on the large lawned area near the entrance to Alton Towers with video screens on either side to make sure everyone enjoys the show.
But councillors from Alton Parish Council are calling for strict monitoring of noise levels.
Spokesman for the council, Liz Court, said: “The council would like to suggest an independent company should monitor noise levels and be in contact with sound engineers during the concert to insist on the volume being reduced if levels go above the permitted level.
“The council would also suggest sufficient police to be on duty in the village both in the morning when traffic will be heavy, and also in the evening when traffic is leaving.
“It is particularly important that there is a police presence in the village while traffic is leaving, not only to ensure a smooth flow of traffic, but also in case of any rowdy behaviour by concert goers who may have been drinking all day.
“The facility to breathalyse drivers will be paramount.”
A number of different support acts are due to perform on the day before Pink’s appearance and alcohol will be served throughout the gig.
Tickets area already on sale for the concert priced at around £50.
In the application for the licence, the organisers say a safety committee will be in place which will plan and oversee the event and includes the fire, police and ambulances services.
The organisers propose to follow the ‘Code of Practice on Environmental Noise at Concerts’ and will employ consultants to assist with compliance with those rules.
To cope with traffic, the closure of Wootton Lane is planned to allow traffic to leave as freely as possible after the gig.
Parish councillor Tony Moult said: “We have raised concerns about noise and policing, because of the nature of this concert.
“I do not think they have anything similar to this before. It will attract the younger generation in large numbers.
“More than 30,000 will be travelling to the concert, along with as many as 20,000 going to Alton Towers park anyway.
“The place may not be able to accommodate the numbers and villagers are worried about the overspill.
“It’s a bit strange the tickets are already on sale before the permission has been given, but I understand they can do this.
“They must be fairly confident they will get the approval they need. They just want to make money and unfortunately we have to suffer the consequences.”
Thanks: pink_princess01
