Police shut down music festival

Laurence Cawley

ORGANISERS of a charitable music festival which attracts thousands of people each year were left “stunned” when police moved in and shut it down after the event “got out of hand”.

Three people were arrested by police towards the end of the Brandon Buzz music festival, which is supported by both Suffolk County Council and Forest Heath District Council.

It is now feared the event, which celebrated its 11th year on Sunday, will never be held again because of the trouble.

Co-organiser Eddie Stewart, who is a member of the district council for Brandon, said he was “stunned” by the turn of events at the end of what had been a “wonderful, wonderful day”.

He told how problems emerged as the final band, Mojo Kings, were preparing on stage. He said a few people started shoving each other somewhere in the crowd in the dark and the problems escalated from there.

“It was a few who were worse for wear and they seemed to get frustrated late at night.

“The vast majority had their Brandon Buzz spoilt by a few idiots. It escalated and an awful lot of police turned up and they contained it.

“They said it was best not to let the last band go on. I am disappointed for the people of Brandon and the people who came from a long way away.

“I can't fault the police - they did what they felt was the right thing and erred on the side of caution.

“It is a family occasion and it is a model of how the young and old can mix together,” Mr Stewart said.

“I am really stunned. In the end I want to continue with it but I am not sure whether I will be allowed to.”

A police spokeswoman said the event, which featured live music and entertainment, had got out of hand in the evening due to revellers drinking too much alcohol.

Officers dispatched to deal with the problems, at Brandon Remembrance Playing Fields, shut down the event and made three arrests for public order offences.