Concert cancelled among fears of rave repeat (From Malvern Gazette)

Concert cancelled among fears of rave repeat

4:06pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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A CASTLEMORTON resident cancelled a folk concert at his home after pressure from authorities who were worried about a repeat of the 1992 invasion'.

Alan Turnbull had arranged the gig for Bank Holiday Sunday in the grounds of his house at Hancocks Lane. Performing were the band Tragic Roundabout, which plays klezmer, a style of east European Jewish wedding music.

Mr Turnbull got a license for the event from Malvern Hills District Council, put tickets on sale and advertised the event, including on the Internet.

But police raised concerns that the event may become a magnet for ravers, raising fears of a repeat of the events of 1992, when the common was occupied by thousands of travellers for a "free festival" lasting days, and approached Mr Turnbull.

The license was withdrawn and the event went ahead with no-one paying for entry and no drinks on sale.

Mr Turnbull described the police action as "heavy-handed" and said people coming to the gig were stopped by police and had their names and registration numbers taken.

"It was nothing like a rave. This is an acoustic band playing klezmer music. I was expecting between 150 and 200 people to turn up." he said.

Police remained on duty on the common all night, and the force helicopter was also deployed.

"I've lived here 12 years and I don't want to make trouble for anyone," said Mr Turnbull. "This whole thing is just an embarrasment."

A police spokesman said: "The advertised public event was cancelled and replaced with a much smaller and quieter private event. The event passed off without incident. A number of local people have called to express their gratitude."

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