Festival bosses claim no more shaking of houses from noise

BY TARA O’CONNOR Local Democracy Reporter

The organisers behind Wireless Festival have promised to improve this summer after Crystal Palace residents complained about their windows shaking from the noise and revellers using their front gardens as toilets as queues stretched out of the park in 2021.

The festival came to Crystal Palace Park for the first time last year and will return to the area next month. A community update from organisers Festival Republic said: “We know that 2021 had its difficulties but we are here to improve.”

Up to 42,000 people will descend on the park for the three-day festival. It will take place from 11am-9.30pm over three days from July 1-3.

Festival Republic has also arranged a series of other events in the week following the festival. On July 6, there will be a youth concert from 6pm, followed by a Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concert the next day.

On Saturday, July 9 the park will host the Home Run Derby X from 11am-9.30pm.

It is a new baseball event expected to attract up to 20,000 people. Festival Republic said it has been working with Bromley council’s noise team to reduce local disturbance.

The company claims maximum noise levels will be reduced by three decibels compared to 2021 while vibrations will be monitored from buildings close to the park. Over the weekend of Wireless Festival, 22 roads will only be open to residents and drivers will have to show proof of address to enter them.

The roads affected are: Anerley Grove, Anerley Park, Anerley Vale, Brunswick Place, Chipstead Close, Cintra Park, Crystal Palace Station Road, Hadlow Place, Hamlet Road, Ledrington Road, Maberley Crescent, Maberley Road, Madeline Road, Melbourne Court, Milestone Road, Palace Road, Pleydell Avenue, Ridsdale Road, Thicket Road, Versailles Road, Waldegrave Road and William Booth Road. In 2021, residents complained of attendees using their front gardens as toilets and leaving rubbish on their walls. On the first day of the festival long queues snaked down Anerley Road with no temporary toilets available. Festival Republic said this year there will be more bins and litter pickers as well as 75 per cent more toilets off the festival site.

Picture The site of last year’s Wireless Festival in Crystal Palace Park Picture: LDS