On 2 May 2013 at 2:06pm Castle Gate wrote:
How are businesses in Lewes getting on with the Gentlemen of the Road Stopover tour?
The original licence application for the July event states: "Music fans, local musicians, caterers, local breweries and the town's broad range of creative teams and individuals are all encouraged to participate. An outdoor stage is the focal point of the day time festival, featuring locally sourced food stalls..."
Lewes District Council reports on its website: "The use of local businesses is very much in line with the ethos... This is evident in the way that the organisers have chosen to work with local producers, suppliers, caterers, accommodation providers and tourist attractions."
If my impression of the Mumfords' lyrics is right, this is an outstanding opportunity to serve thousands of well-meaning music-loving visitors. Have the organisers and promoters welcomed involvement so far? I see from the initial site plan (below) that an area next to the ruins of the older Priory church will be set aside for local food and crafts. Is this happening? Who'll be showcasing the best of Lewes?
View the picture »
On 2 May 2013 at 5:45pm Local wrote:
Very interesting. Where did you find the original? Would like to read all the captions etc. I bet the football club groundsman is chuffed with choppers landing on his pitch!
On 3 May 2013 at 3:48pm Independent Thinker wrote:
Looking at the picture, wouldn't it make a lot more sense to have the stage at the far end of the field, by the A27, rather than in front of the main entrance into Convent Field, via the path beside the Dripping Pan? As is, they'd either have to close that entrance into the field, or have people arriving later needing to push past everyone already gathered in front of the stage, which will make getting in and out a nightmare.
On 3 May 2013 at 4:31pm Castle Gate wrote:
In reply to Independent Thinker's post: indeed, at first sight, this would seem to make sense for audience movement. But the sun would be in the whole audience's eyes, and there would be the added danger of audience members falling on the steps. With the stage facing south, and the audience north, twenty thousand people won't need to squint, and there is a level walk from the camp-site to the festival location. Furthermore, I can't see that the normal "main entrance" is going to be used at all for the public; and the other set of steps is for artistes and staff, isn't it?
In reply to Local: all the plans are available from Lewes District Council, both digitally and by personal inspection at the offices, exactly as intended.
But my original question is still unanswered: have any local cafés, food suppliers or art/craft-makers been able to secure a place to trade, as the original planning application stated would happen? Or is this going to be decided closer to the concert date?
On 3 May 2013 at 9:21pm the old mayor wrote:
Interestingly I see The Hop Farm is now cancelling their festival, allegedly because of poor sales and lack of interest. All ticket holders can apply for a full refund. Bit of a result if even only 5% don't apply, it will still be a nice little earner.... Sincerely hope Mumford & Son don't do them same !! Watch this space..
On 3 May 2013 at 10:02pm local wrote:
Thanks, CastleGate.
I'm no expert, but surely the trucks will unload from Mountfield Road car-park and the gear will go down gentle ramps to the stage. The sound will face away from the town too, and there'll be no 'free views' like there could be from the other direction.
Looks sensible to me.
On 3 May 2013 at 10:13pm Local wrote:
Just noticed that Malling Field will be a car-park all weekend. Not so sensible?
On 12 May 2013 at 6:58am a.local wrote:
As a local business used to working these events we have given up trying.
We spent two weeks solid trying to even speak to someone regarding this event. #shambles.
I suspect with lack of interest from locals they will bring in large national food and drink vendors who will prob work on a commision basis.
Harveys have got a pitch ? but thats about the only one I know about