Organisers of Westfest in Dundee have hit out at claims the event is more like a “rave” than a community gathering.
The free festival returns to Magdalen Green for 2022 after two years off due to Covid-19.
A series of live performances and stalls usually attract thousands of people to the West End.
Licence bid met with objections
The event, on Sunday June 12, was granted an alcohol licence by the council last month.
A series of objections were lodged, but these have not been made public as the licence was considered by officials privately.
However, Martin Hay, one of the volunteer organisers, says he was met with claims that the event does not benefit the community.
Mr Hay says objectors are in the minority – but branded their views, including that the event should be moved from Magdalen Green, “disappointing”.
He said: “There were several objections raised by a minority of people.
“What really disappoints us is this perception that it isn’t a community event and more like a rave.
I’ve always said people can come and enjoy the family fun day with no money or with £100 in their pocket.”
“It is run by local volunteers from the West End, who pour hundreds of hours into organising it.
“We’ve got local organisations and sports clubs involved with stalls and tasters for their respective sports.
“I’ve always said people can come and enjoy the family fun day with no money or with £100 in their pocket.
“Thousands enjoy the day on the green.
“To hear that the fun day needs to be relocated and it is having a negative impact on local trade was also disappointing.
“We feel the event has quite the opposite impact, with people using the local shops and bars before and after.”
‘Positive knock-on effect’
Community chiefs say the event has a “positive knock-on effect” for traders.
Russell Pepper, chairman of West End Community Council – which is not involved in organising the event – said: “We don’t feel that Westfest has outgrown Magdalen Green, at all.
“It brings a positive contribution to the West End, bringing a lot of life to the area.
“This is a one-day event that people seem to very much enjoy, and the fact that it’s on Magdalen Green makes it accessible to many people.
“We’re unaware of any data to suggest that Westfest is detrimental to local business – in fact, there is likely a positive knock-on effect for local businesses due to passing trade.
“We do feel, however, that we would like to see further consultation in the future to understand the benefits to the area as opposed to the city, so we can support it in the right way.”
Organisers have also promised kids’ attractions, a carnival and arts and crafts as part of the 2022 event.
Conversation