Brandon Buzz Music Festival Ends With Disappointment

Published: Sunday 26th July 2009 23:55

Last Updated: Monday 27th July 2009 17:30

 

This years Brandon Buzz music festival came to an abrupt end as Police requested the event be stopped. Officers that were on patrol at the event called for back up after a fight broke out in an area of the Remembrance Playing Fields, close to where the bands were performing.

 

At just after 10pm, just minutes before the headline band was due to perform, one officer approached the stage and asked for the music to be switched off.

 

It is believed that Police informed the organisers of the event that they would try to deal with the small group causing trouble so the final band could perform. However just before 10.30, it was decided that the event should be stopped.

 

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Police said "Officers on patrol at the Brandon Buzz event requested further assistance due to a public order incident. Around 300 people were in the area of the leisure centre on Church Road and some rowdy and disorderly behaviour had been observed. Additional units were sent to the scene and the event was closed down at around 10.25pm."

 

By 11pm there were 12 police vehicles on the remembrance playing fields and in the leisure centre car park, including dog units and riot vans and it wasn't long before the police had dispersed the crowds, and dealt with those involved.

 

There was disappointment amongst the crowd after they discovered the cause for the early ending, with many showing their frustration towards those who caused the initial row. Despite the late evening rain, several people had chosen to stay throughout the day and watch the headline band.

 

Eddie Stewart, one of the organisers of the Brandon Buzz, told BrandonSuffolk.com "This was the best event ever. People of all ages came and enjoyed themselves and it was great watching folk sitting down enjoying the music. The weather was fine until 8.00pm, then we had a light drizzle. For once the weather forecasters got it spot on. All the charities made money.

 

"Our main theme for the Buzz was the 'Help For Heroes' campaign and nearly £400 was raised for our troops. This was organised by Keith Turnbull. We has some hiccups with the bands at the start, but this was resolved by some late additions to the programme."

 

He continued "Around 10.00pm a fight broke out, away from the stage in the dark, and Police reinforcements came and contained the problem. Unfortunately, they considered it advisable that our headline band, The Mojo Kings, should not go on, and closed the event at 10.30pm. This was sad because a lot of folk in front of the stage had been waiting patiently for hours to hear this wonderful band. However, they were okay with this - a touch angry, but understanding. Basically it was a few spoiling it for the many.

 

"Next year we will consider starting the event at 12 noon; having 8 bands until 8.00pm; and closing with an outdoor disco lasting an hour until 9.00pm.

 

"On behalf of Gill Mills and myself I would like to thank all those friends who helped make the Buzz so successful, and I would personally like to thank
Gill and her family, as well as my family, for all the hard work they put into planning the Buzz and on the day itself. See you next year."

 

A 17 year old male from Brandon was arrested on suspicion of affray and assault and a 29 year old male from Brandon was arrested on suspicion of assault, they have both been released on police bail to return to Bury Police Station on 15th August. A third person, a 30 year old male from the Thetford area, was arrested on suspicion of committing a public order offence and was issued with a fixed penalty notice.

 

Photos of this years festival can be found on our photos page, just click here. Videos of the event will be available very soon.