VB can reveal that Hampshire Constabulary have called for the Wowfest license to be cancelled.
VB received word at the weekend that Wowfest organisers are applying for a variation in the licence.
Isle of Wight Police Licensing Sergeant Mark Voller has sent a detailed request to the council in which he states that organisers have asked for a reduction in the capacity for the festival to be reduced to 4,999.
By reducing the number to below 5,000 the festival would no longer come under the restrictions of Isle of Wight Act.
No additional Police resources
However, Sergeant Voller raises several concerns about the festival, stating “Police have grounds for believing the promoters of Wowfest do not have the financial capacity to ensure that this public event can be provided safely and without causing undue disruption to the community.
“In consequence the police event commander has decided that additional police resources will not be provided at the Wowfest site.
“Police recommend that the licensing committee review this license with a view to its revocation (cancellation)”
Unable to pay upfront costs
Police also state in the application for the license to be cancelled, that Wowfest organisers advised that they would be unable to pay the revised upfront costings of £40,249.
They had previously been asked to pay £115,000 for a 10,000 festival capacity.
The consultation period> runs from today (6th June) until 29th June.
We’ve written to organisers Philip Snellen and Geri Ward, and will update once we hear back from them.
Full details of Sergeant Voller’s request embedded below for your convenience or can be found on the council website
Update: At 14.14 today (6th June) the Wowfest website was amended to read “Ticket sales are now closed.”
