Dance festival to go ahead despite noise concerns

A dance festival is set to go ahead despite residents raising concerns about potential noise pollution being caused by the event.

Trance music festival Existance's licence has been approved for the four-day event in Tetbury in June despite people raising concerns about a potential increase in noise, crime, and congestion.

Organisers told a Cotswold District Council meeting on Monday they have a noise level plan in place for the event, which will be hosted near Boldridge Farm in Long Newnton.

The council's licencing subcommittee approved the application for one year, with noise limits in place, including a ban on music between 02:00 BST and 11:00.

The festival took place in Charlton Park estate in Malmesbury in 2025 when about 1,000 revellers attended.

However, the estate's managers have said they do not want the festival to return due to high noise levels.

Event organisers told the council meeting on Monday it was a contractor who let them down and they are now under new management.

David Roberts, a lawyer representing the residents, warned councillors: "There is a serious lack of thought in terms of this application."

Meanwhile, Di Thomas, chair of Long Newnton parish council, also raised concerns at the planning meeting about nearby protected bat species, claiming a bat management plan should have been sought.

Existance will take place from 11-14 June.

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