The Land Beyond festival has been granted a drinks licence for four years after a hearing at which a neighbour raised concerns about anti-social behaviour.
Festivals Group Limited applied for a licence to sell alcohol at the event in East Brighton Park, off Wilson Avenue, for May 2028 to May 2031 for the late May bank holiday weekend.
The company also applied for the licence to permit the playing of live and recorded music, showing of films and hosting of dance performances from the Friday to Monday from 11am to 10.30pm.
At a council licensing panel hearing on Tuesday 15 September, Kemp Town resident Ross Sully, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said that a growing number of events there were linked to anti-social behaviour.
He told the panel of three councillors – Andrei Czolak, Julie Cattell and Alison Thomson – how the boom in events meant that Kemp Town’s “village feel” was now more like a crowded city.
Mr Sully, one of two objectors, said that the extra events in East Brighton Park had contributed to this change.
A decision letter from Brighton and Hove City Council said that the panel had noted Mr Sully’s concerns about management, location and issues with litter.
The council said: “The panel considered that the applicant was receptive to the concerns raised and willing to find solutions.
“The panel welcomed the enhanced marshal and stewarding arrangements and hoped this would assist effective dispersal after the event.
“The panel would encourage the applicant as part of the event management plan to consider better bin coverage in the wider surrounding areas to reduce litter.
“The panel would also encourage the applicant to further consider the use of more reusable plastic with a deposit scheme.”
The Brighton company, owned by Alexander Isles, 35 and Paris O’Connell, 34, had originally planned to hold an event next year but said that it was now aiming to return in 2028.
It plans to host live music on a main stage on the Friday and bank holiday Monday, suitable for anyone aged 14 and over.
On the Saturday and Sunday, the festival would have several stages and be strictly for over-18s.
