More Museum Gardens gigs approved despite concerns

A bid to expand concerts and live events at a popular city centre site has been approved, despite concerns from residents and council officials about noise.

Futuresound Events Ltd had applied to hold events at York's Museum Gardens on 12 days in 2027, but councillors approved just six additional days following a licensing hearing.

Supporters said the shows generated vital income, however opponents warned increasing concert numbers risked creating further disturbance for people living nearby.

Referring to the income generated by the events, Kathryn Blacker, Chief Executive of York Museums Trust, told the hearing: "We simply can't do without it."

The decision followed the latest four-day Live at Museum Gardens series, which featured Self Esteem, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Super Furry Animals and the York Comedy Festival.

Concerts were first staged in the gardens in 2024 and organisers said they had proved highly successful for both the venue and the city.

The six newly approved dates will be added to three already planned, allowing concerts to take place over consecutive weekends in June and July next year.

Organisers said the impact of the events would be monitored, with security staff and stewards on site and sound checks restricted to set hours.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said North Yorkshire Police withdrew its objection after Futuresound agreed to halve the number of additional event days.

However, objections were raised by nearby residents and the council's public protection team.

Environmental Protection Officer Michael Golightly said 18 complaints had been received about concerts last year and warned York's geography allowed noise to travel widely across the city.

Marygate resident Marabel Clark said Museum Gardens was "too small" for the scale of events being staged.

"The site's more or less bubbling over with noise. It's like a sponge cake that's being baked in a tin that's too small," she said.

Supporters, including tourism body Make It York, argued the concerts had raised York's profile and brought economic benefits.

Blacker said the income generated was crucial and that organisers had previously adapted events in response to residents' feedback.

She said: "Our commercial income is nearly £500,000 pounds and Futuresound accounts for nearly 20% of that each year.

"We understand the Museum Gardens are an important resource for the people of York. We want these events to work for the community."

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