Crowds enjoy Ellie Goulding's performance at last summer's Lounge On The Farm festival. Picture: Paul Dennis.

by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Organisers of Lounge On The Farm have surrendered their licence, but stress it’s not the end of the road for the music festival.

The team behind the critically-acclaimed mix of live music and local food will apply for a fresh licence in the new year in a bid to address problems during last summer’s sell-out event at Merton Farm.

A Canterbury City Council licensing hearing planned for December 13 has now been postponed.

A statement released on behalf of the festival on Wednesday confirmed their desire to work closer with police to secure a stronger and safer event for the future.

Founder Sean Baker believes it shows a desire to maintain a good working relationship.

He said: “The best way for us to progress is to relinquish the current licence and take out an application for a new one.

“We can then sit down and discuss the issues from this year and improve our relationship with the police. A new licence will allow us to take another step forward to a safer, more secure event that is far better positioned to progress and build on the fantastic success we have enjoyed over the last few years.”

Last year, capacity increased to 10,000 for the three days with crowds enjoying headline sets from The Streets, Ellie Goulding and Echo and The Bunnymen. But, with increased numbers came added pressures on security and parking around the site.

Residents in Nackington complained about congestion during the weekend in July with many cars left parked or abandoned on busy areas including Nackington Road and Church Lane.

Read more reaction in this week's Kentish Gazette, out Thursday.