CONTROVERSARY has tainted the build up to Upton's Sunshine Festival amid claims of late finishes and excessive volume, both of which have been refuted by its organiser.

Upton town councillor Eric White relayed residents' concerns and complaints of bands playing past the midnight finishing time, and the volume being louder than is necessary.

Speaking at a council meeting he said: "People have asked me if the Sunshine Festival can finish on time. They say it goes right through until 1am sometimes, and it shouldn't.

"They have also asked to have the volume turned down, so they are not shuddering in their houses.

"The other festivals do not bother me, but the Sunshine Festival means I can not sit on my conservatory without hearing it. Does it need to be that loud?".

However, organiser Steve High says bands have never played past midnight, and his team work closely with the local authorities to ensure everything is kept above board.

He said: "Environmental Health give us the all clear every year, and never have acts gone past 12am.

"To say acts have gone on until 1am is a complete and utter lie.

"We have heard nothing about complaints before, and have regular meetings with the local authorities. Residents are always given plenty of warning leading up the festival.

"We have a fantastic relationship with the town's people."

The festival, now in its sixth year, has donated proceeds to charities each year, and also supports a number of Upton based charities such as Upton Youth Band, Friends of Upton Primary School and Upton W.I.

In a further attempt to keep relationships harmonious, organisers of the festival have launched Tent Watch- a 24 hour service which enables residents to call the team with concerns, throughout the festival period.

International selling acts UB40 and Gabrielle will be performing this year, when it gets underway on Friday, August 28 until the following Sunday.

For more information visit uptonfestival.co.uk

"We have launched a new scheme where residents can can call us during the festival time, 24 hours a day. It's called Tent Watch on 07516 510 300.

"There will be a firework display on 8.45am on Sunday.

"We have a fantastic relationship with the majority of the people in the town."