Proposal for Expanded Beer Festival in Surrey Rejected

A proposal to host nearly 10,000 attendees at a festival in Surrey has been rejected after officials cited safety provisions as “devoid of detail,” prompting concerns about potential overcrowding. The Oxted Beer Festival, which began in 2012, typically draws close to 5,000 individuals to Master Park annually. Earlier this year, Events Runway, the organizing body, sought permission to expand the festival’s capacity from 6,000 to 9,999 attendees. Tandridge District Council denied this request, stating that “insufficient evidence” was presented regarding how the event would address the prevention of crime and disorder, ensure public safety, mitigate public nuisance, or safeguard children from harm. The Master Park Trustees had previously announced their decision to prohibit the festival from taking place in 2025, citing damage sustained by the park during the current year’s event. In its submission, Events Runway detailed its strategies for fulfilling the licensing requirements. These provisions encompassed the deployment of security personnel in high-visibility attire, conducting searches for prohibited items upon entry, instructing attendees to depart the venue peaceably, and establishing medical tents. Representing the organizers, Darren Harfield informed Tandridge District Council’s (TDC) licensing committee on 4 December that the venue’s designers were confident the park was “more than capable” of accommodating a substantial number of people. He emphasized that Events Runway had taken residents’ concerns into account. Notwithstanding these measures, the committee expressed that there was “little assurance” regarding the potential effects of the expanded capacity on nearby residents. The Trustees had adjusted the permitted capacity of the location to 6,000 in April 2024, and this restriction continues to be enforced. Local residents have stated that Oxted village “cannot handle 24,000 people over three days,” citing concerns about heightened traffic, parking difficulties, and potential disorderly conduct, further noting that policing such an event would be challenging. Events Runway was contacted for a statement.