Plans for a Beach Mania event on Margate Sands have been cancelled with the application being withdrawn this morning (June 12).
Organisers Happy Days Parties say they are now ‘going back to the drawing board’ to create a family event next year.
The application for the Beach Mania festival hit problems after Kent Police revealed that the predicted Spring tide would mean the entire event would be six inches under water.
There were other concerns, including worries from local traders.
Following talks with ward councillor Iris Johnston and Margate concession holders, police and coastguard, the decision has now been made to ditch the over-18s event in favour of a family friendly festival running until 9pm.
New event and a new date
Organiser Rotimi Anibaba said: “We have decided to pull the event and go back to the drawing board for an all-inclusive family friendly event.
“We will be working with other concessionaires for a larger, family event, in eith May or September next year.
“This is based on the Spring tide but also not wanting to affect the trading of other people. We are trying to find a day when we can bring new business to the town and provide music and activities on the beach.
“I am going to be putting things together over the next 3 or 4 months.”
Rotimi, who has had a property in Margate since 2004, said he hopes to make the family event an annual occasion.
Ward councillor Iris Johnston said: “I am very pleased that Mr Anibaba has decided to review the whole situation and now allowed himself and his team to work towards a really good family event outside of the main season.
“We went down to the beach to talk to traders and we are starting afresh.”
The police aught to be ashamed of themselves. They have tried every effort to get this cancelled from the start. Where is the freedom when we can’t even have a type of music we want? Stop being so weak, pathetic and full of fear kent police
Great news family day would be better
Not everyone would want music blaring out on the beach in any case. The Police have a duty to the public so stop being selfish blaming them for having concerns over it.