Fears for dope fest

Fears for dope fest

Apr 20 2004

South London Press

A CANNABIS festival could be cancelled if a deal is not reached over the cost.

Due to be held in Brockwell Park on May 8, the festival would involve a march from Kennington Park which is expected to attract about 5,000 people.

However, organisers say they cannot afford the commercial rates for hiring Brockwell Park, which are higher than rates paid by community groups.

Event organiser Shane Collins, who is Green Party London Assembly candidate for Lambeth and Southwark, said: "If we can't get recognised as a community group we will have to call it all off."

Mr Collins claims the commercial rates would be £9,000.

Lambeth council was not able to confirm the figure yesterday.

A spokeswoman said: "There is a meeting this morning.

"Last year they got a discount but there was a special reason for it - a new policy was being introduced."

An application for a music and dancing licence will be put before the council's licensing committee at Lambeth Town Hall at 7pm tonight.

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