Proposed changes to Highcliffe music festival heard by licensing committee
Organisers of the Cliff Top Music Festival in Highcliffe have requested to expand it to two-day event
Plans to expand a popular music festival in Highcliffe have been considered by councillors, as organisers argue the event plays a key role in supporting the local economy and tourism.
Stir Events submitted an application to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in November, seeking changes to the Cliff Top Music Festival, which takes place on the grassed overflow car park at Wharncliffe Road in Christchurch.
The original proposal would have increased the festival from a single annual event to two three-day festivals each year, with events running until 10pm.
That application prompted 22 objections, leading to mediation between organisers, residents and stakeholders.
Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council formally objected, describing the proposed expansion to a three-day event as a “substantial and unacceptable” change.
Following mediation, Stir Events amended its plans. The revised application now proposes a two-day event held once a year. As a result, six objections were withdrawn.
BCP Council’s events team told the licensing committee that no complaints have been received about previous events.
Addressing councillors, Mandy Polkey, managing director of Stir Events, said the festival had originally been conceived as a tool to help the area grow.
“The festival was planned as an economic development tool when I was economic development officer for Christchurch and East Dorset Council,” she said. “It was part of a business plan presented in 2017 to help grow Highcliffe.”
Ms Polkey added: “We were happy to mediate because we did not want to upset local residents or businesses.
“Everything is about fun for the community and encouraging tourism, that is the whole aim.”
Councillors are expected to consider whether the amended plans strike the right balance between supporting local growth and protecting residents’ concerns.