SJM apply for a premises licence to run major events on Shoreham Airport

According to The Argus, (here), SJM Concerts, the promoters behind V-Festival and Manchester’s Parklife, want to use Shoreham Airport near Brighton in West Sussex as a venue for festivals from as early as next year. 

The promoters believe that the site could play host to 70,000 music fans, which would make any festival held there one of the biggest in the country, and they are seeking permission with an application for a premises licence to run events on the airfield from midday to as late as 3am, with alcohol served until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.

However the plans submitted to Adur and Worthing Borough Council are at an early stage and any proposals will go through thorough consultation with the public, police and transport chiefs.

Jonathan Candelon, managing director of Shoreham Airport, tells the news website, "We’ve explored use of the airport for various projects, including recently letting a film crew shoot a movie here, with the intention of raising its profile.

"One of the things we’ve also looked at is music events. If this plan with SJM is successful, it will be extremely beneficial to the local area. But it’s in the early stages and there are a lot of rigorous licensing processes to go through first to ensure it is fit for purpose."

SJM’s application for a premises licence has gone relatively under the radar, and much of the local community have not been aware of the proposal. There is currently a move by residents to ask the council to extend the deadline for public representation.