A music festival near Bicester has been cancelled after organisers learned they had only a 50 per cent chance of winning a premises license. 

The Ox and Bucks Homegrown Festival was due to happen 15-17 August in a field just outside Chesterton village. Around 3,000 attendees were expected at the inaugural event. 

Cherwell District Council told organiser Len Readle that his chances of getting the crucial premises license – which would allow the sale of alcohol and loud music on the festival site – would be halved. 

The decision apparently came because of safety concerns voiced by the Thames Valley Police – in particular, a worry about potential crime, disorder and public safety. 

Cancelling the Homegrown Festival has reportedly left Readle almost £13,000 out of pocket. 

“The Homegrown team and I are truly sorry the festival is cancelled,” he said in a statement. “We will ensure it will go ahead next year and we will make it up to you there.” 

More than 1,400 ticketholders have been granted refunds since the decision was made on Tuesday (6 August).

  

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A music festival near Bicester has been cancelled after organisers learned they had only a 50 per cent chance of winning a premises license. 

The Ox and Bucks Homegrown Festival was due to happen 15-17 August in a field just outside Chesterton village. Around 3,000 attendees were expected at the inaugural event. 

Cherwell District Council told organiser Len Readle that his chances of getting the crucial premises license – which would allow the sale of alcohol and loud music on the festival site – would be halved. 

The decision apparently came because of safety concerns voiced by the Thames Valley Police – in particular, a worry about potential crime, disorder and public safety. 

Cancelling the Homegrown Festival has reportedly left Readle almost £13,000 out of pocket. 

“The Homegrown team and I are truly sorry the festival is cancelled,” he said in a statement. “We will ensure it will go ahead next year and we will make it up to you there.” 

More than 1,400 ticketholders have been granted refunds since the decision was made on Tuesday (6 August).

  

Got news for Access All Areas? Email or tweet Emma Hudson
Follow us at @Access_AA
Or on Facebook and Instagram