Approval Granted for Expanded Music Events at Staffordshire Forest

Event organizers operating at a Staffordshire forest have received authorization to double the number of days they are permitted to host concerts, despite objections from local residents concerning noise and traffic. Forestry England will now be allowed to stage live music events for up to eight days annually at Cannock Chase Forest. Under the provisions of the new licence, the organization is also empowered to screen films and increase its capacity from 8,300 attendees to 9,999 attendees. Management stated that its yearly Forest Live concerts serve as a crucial revenue stream, assisting the organization in funding its operational activities. Residents residing in Slitting Mill voiced concerns that the section of Cannock Chase typically closed to the public during these events would now be inaccessible for extended periods each year. A spokesperson for Forestry England commented, “The concerts allow customers to enjoy live music and performance in a very attractive and appealing setting.” They further added, “This in itself has a secondary benefit of encouraging those who attend the concerts to come back to the forest with their children on another day to enjoy the trails and other areas.” Officials from Chase District Council confirmed that noise limits are in effect and that time restrictions govern when construction traffic may utilize local roads. The Forest Live concert series has been held at Cannock Chase since 2006 and generated local controversy when it was initially proposed. Headlining performers during this period have included Status Quo, Jools Holland, Kaiser Chiefs, Paul Weller, and Madness. Organizers have now been instructed to communicate with residents in Slitting Mill to apprise them of upcoming events and future plans. Additionally, security personnel must be stationed at all exit points adjacent to residential areas, and measures for pedestrian and traffic management must be implemented to restrict non-residential vehicles on event nights. Confirmed acts for 2025 include former Police frontman Sting and the indie band James. This information was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers local councils and other public service organizations. For updates, follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not accountable for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.