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Unplugged festival in St Clere Estate, Sevenoaks gets green light following council license meeting

By: Annabel Rusbridge-Thomas

Published: 15:00, 13 April 2015

Woodland in Sevenoaks will soon become home to a three-day festival.

Drinks company innocent - which is known for creating healthy smoothies and fruit juices - will hold its "unplugged" weekend in the grounds of St Clere Estate next month.

The event, which will offer live music, talks and discussions alongside a spa and banquet hall, was given the green light by Sevenoaks District Council this morning.

Land at the St Clere Estate in Kemsing

The smoothie company was inspired to host "unplugged" after its research found many people feel life is "too connected".

It promises to be a technology free affair with no wifi or 4g and all electricity will be solar generated. Organisers aim to remove people from the "hustle and bustle" of everyday working life.

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The weekend, which will run from Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25, is completely free with the first 1,500 people to register online receiving tickets and entry wristbands.

Festival goers will be urged to switch their mobile phones off over the weekend.

Organisers faced strong opposition from a local resident who claimed noise pollution, litter, and traffic would be major problems for those living in the surrounding area.

He said outdoor festivals often become "raves with hundreds of partygoers" and lodged a formal representation with the council.

Speaking at the licensing meeting held today, site manager Amy Newhouse said security systems and noise management plans have been organised.

She added: "People can come to this event and relax, it is not a rave that is not what we want to achieve. The word unplugged can be associated with music. The music is low level and is not the main focus.

"In terms of traffic, we recognise that there are small roads and that is why we created a plan together with the man who manages the traffic at glastonbury.

"Cars will come in one entrance and go out another to stop two-way traffic."

"Unplugged" has been organised by drinks brand innocent

Miss Newhouse also explained that ticket holders are being encouraged to travel to St Clere Estate on public transport.

Free shuttle buses for ticket holders and all their camping gear will run from Wrotham and Borough Green train stations across the weekend.

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Brand activation manager for innocent, Jamie Sterry, said: "As a brand what we promise is taste good do good.

"We want to create an event that reflects what we stand for. Daily life can be very hectic for us and we spend a lot of time at computers and we don't get the chance to have a break.

"This event gives adults a chance to switch off for a weekend."

The event's license was granted on the condition that noise monitoring recordings are carried out at 11pm, 12am and 1am on both nights and that alcohol is only served to ticket holders.

For more info visit: http://www.innocentunplugged.com/

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