Rock concerts will continue to be staged in Hyde Park after organisers reached an agreement with the council following complaints from local residents.
The future of Hyde Park’s role as host to various festivals and headline events during the summer was thrown into doubt when nearby community leaders demanded action over what they claimed to be excessive noise and disruption. The capacity, sound volume and number of gigs were all called into question, but while some restrictions will be placed on shows from now on, the changes are not as excessive as first feared.
Westminster council will allow all concerts scheduled to go ahead this year, which include headline appearances by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and the Wireless and Hard Rock Calling festivals, to continue as planned, but will reduce the maximum number of events held in Hyde Park from thirteen to nine in 2013, while only four will be allowed to host a capacity of 65,000, according to the Evening Standard.
John Probyn, Live Nation’s chief operating officer, praised the council’s decision as a ‘fantastic result’, while London Mayor Boris Johnson has said: “I’m glad Westminster has shown some wisdom in taking this decision. I’m determined that Hyde Park should continue to be a wonderful, grassy venue for concerts of all types.”
However, the council has threatened further action should the new regulations be breached in the future.