Police object to plans for three-day country house rave

Richard Evans, local democracy reporter

North Wales Police has raised safety concerns about a three-day rave planned at a country house in Dolwen this weekend.

Organiser Archie Fetherstonhaugh applied to Conwy County Council’s licensing department for the event, which is already selling tickets.

‘On-Kilter’ is due to take place at Coed Coch, a Georgian manor house, from Thursday 13 July until the early hours of Sunday 16 July.

A Conwy County Council licensing sub-committee tomorrow evening is set to decide the application.

Hundreds of campers are expected at the event if it gets the go-ahead, featuring DJs Kyle Toole, Katya, Pluralist, Kincaid, and Softi amongst many more.

A similar event was held in 2021.

But residents have written to Conwy County Council, and now North Wales Police have also objected in a letter to the licensing department in which they list concerns about security, nuisance, and the protection of children.

Crime and disorder

“Having reviewed the application, North Wales Police are not satisfied that the application will promote the four licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm,” the letter reads.

“It is the opinion of North Wales Police that the applied times for licensable activities are excessive and will continue into time periods which may be considered late night/ very early morning and unsociable. This may potentially have a negative impact on the surrounding area and its communities – and potentially those attending.”

North Wales Police go on to highlight concerns about security during the event, the risk-assessment carried out in terms of public safety, and matters such as noise, traffic, and the number of attendees.

The letter also stated police had concerns about children on site.

Residents and business owners also raised their concerns.

Stewart and Susan Lawson run the Ffarm Country House and said, “We wish to object because a previous similar event he held in 2021 caused serious disturbance in our village and in Betws yn Rhos. In that case the so-called music was audible throughout the night and disturbed the sleep of our guests and generated significant complaints.”

Resident Maureen Davies objected to the hours of the event.

“I feel it is excessive and would lead to noise all night,” she wrote.

Mr Berwyn Jones runs a caravan site and said, “The main concern relates to the volume of music and the times applied for. The current application is excessive at 4 am. I have never known an event to have such lengthy licences.”

Rheon Roberts owned a small glamping site and said the event in 2021 had harmed her business by causing negative reviews about noise.

On-Kilter organiser Archie Fetherstonhaugh commented: “After extensive research and working with industry experts, we are confident we can demonstrate to the sub-committee that our event is considered and in line with licensing objectives.

“We are aware of the problems in the past, and we’ve learnt a lot of lessons.”