Talks over controversial new Wickow music festival headlined by Craig David begin
The Wicklow PeopleThe promoter behind a proposed new music festival at Bray’s Carlisle Grounds headlined by Craig David has been instructed to “put all their ducks in a row”, following a meeting with Wicklow County Council officials.
The meeting was called after the promoter advertised the event, scheduled for August 24, without securing the necessary permissions, prompting concern among a local councillor and residents.
The concert, planned as part of a wider summer music series, was initially promoted with a capacity of 4,999 attendees. The specific number immediately raised questions, as events exceeding 5,000 people require a formal event licence under Irish law.
The promotional campaign went live before any consultation with the council, even though football club Bray Wanderers, who use the Carlisle Grounds, hold only a sporting lease and do not have authority to approve non-sporting events independently.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Cllr Erika Doyle, Cathaoirleach of the district, said she, like many residents, first became aware of the concert through the advertising itself.
“The promoter should have contacted the council. They should also have informed residents,” she said. “That didn’t happen, but it is happening now.”
At the meeting last week, council officials outlined the steps required before any such event could proceed. These include landlord consent, a full event management plan, coordination with gardaí and Iarnród Éireann, and meaningful engagement with residents living near the stadium.
Depending on the final proposed capacity, the promoter may also need to apply for a full event licence.
The promoter has since paused all advertising and entered ongoing discussions with the council to address the gaps in planning. Officials are understood to have emphasised that no decision can be made until all documentation is submitted and assessed.
The prospect of a major concert at the Carlisle Grounds has sparked debate among local representatives. Councillor Joe Behan has been vocal in his opposition for the proposal, citing concerns about noise, traffic, and the precedent that hosting concerts at the venue might set. However, Cllr Doyle, believes the proposal should be evaluated on its merits once proper procedures are followed.
“I think a well run concert that is organised properly and has involved consultation with local residents can only be a positive thing for the town,” she said. “The occasional music event at a transport hub, observing all relevant health and safety protocols, could add to the summer fun in Bray.”
However, she stressed that the responsibility now lies squarely with the promoter.
“It’s up to them to make sure they have all their ducks in a row. If the event goes ahead, we’ll be able to gauge its success and that will inform any future proposals.”
District manager Jackie Carroll acknowledged to councillors at their latest monthly meeting that the situation was far from ideal and said confusion was caused by the premature advertising.
She said it was “regrettable” that the council had not been informed in advance and emphasised that the council should have been consulted before any public promotion and expressed disappointment that this step had been overlooked.
The future of the new music festival remains uncertain. Council officials are continuing to review the situation, and further updates are expected as the promoter works through the required processes.