Noise objections of extending museum concerts plan in York

A BID to host more gigs in York’s Museum Gardens has faced objections over late night noise and antisocial behaviour.

Futuresound Events Ltd, which runs Live at Museum Gardens, has applied to stage live music concerts and other performances for up to 12 days a year until 10.30pm.

The firm’s application stated each event would have a capacity of up to 6,000 people and measures would be in place to control noise and to curb nuisance behaviour.

But nearby residents claimed it would leave them exposed to noise and antisocial behaviour on more days of the year, with York Council and North Yorkshire Police also opposed.

It comes as the application is set to go before councillors for a decision on Monday, July 13.

Futuresound, which puts on the events in the York Museums Trust-run gardens, is aiming to extend the yearly series of music and comedy gigs from four days currently.

Shows typically take place in July, with Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Self Esteem and Super Furry Animals performing this year along with the York Comedy Festival.

The operator’s plans would see it allowed to host concerts until 10:30pm for up to 12 days a year between Thursdays and Sundays.

Event operators and the Trust told The Press the concert series, which began in 2024, were hugely positive for the city and had attracted thousands of people.

But four people objected, with one representing seven households in neighbouring Marygate, claiming it would lead to days of disruption while the gardens are closed to the public.

They added it would put pressure on parking in an area already struggling to cope with demand and said the views of residents were not being taken into account.

One objector said: “I am opposed to granting this many extra days due to the detrimental effect from noise and disruption to the residents in the near vicinity and those on the other side of the railway lines who will also have to put up with the noise.”

North Yorkshire Police have also objected stating the application had not provided enough details on how they planned to prevent crime and disorder.

The council’s public protection team said in their objection the changes would lead to an unacceptable increase in the number of event days which would result in public nuisance.

Two comments were lodged in support of the plans.

Tourism and events body Make It York stating the concerts had boosted the city’s national profile and brought in economic benefits and much-needed income for the Museums Trust.

Another supporter said they were confident Futuresound would manage the events appropriately and respond to any concerns promptly.

Futuresound’s application stated security and stewards would be brought in to ensure public safety and prevent nuisance behaviour, with disorderly people refused entry.

Rehearsals and sound checks would take place from 9am to 8pm and tests would be done before concerts to set a maximum sound limit.

Action would be taken promptly if noise exceeds agreed upon limits.