Three-day Rock and Bike Fest finally finds permanent home near Long Eaton

A three-day rock music festival for bikers has finally been given a permanent home near a Derbyshire town. Earlier this year the Rock & Bike Festival (RaBF) was held at the Notts Derby Showground in Longmoor Lane, between Breaston and Long Eaton[1].

The festival has moved around a number of homes over the years and initially faced some resistance from Long Eaton residents. At an Erewash Borough Council licensing hearing noise concerns were raised by some people as the venue is located next to the M1 motorway and a cemetery.[2][3]

But councillors felt that restrictions would enable the event to go ahead without undue disruption. It appears they weren't wrong as, following the success of the 2023 edition, a permanent licence has been granted allowing RaBF to be held at the Longmoor Lane site in July 2024.

POLL: What's the best thing to do in Derbyshire on a rainy day?[4]

Rock and Bike organiser Ben said: "The objections resulted in a hearing for the 2023 event which took many months to resolve, resulting in lost ticket sales.

“The event received many compliments and praise from residents, businesses, customers, local and parish councils, licensing and all authorities involved. Now we are very pleased to announce that, with no objections, the licensing authority and all other officials have granted Rock and Bike Friends Ltd a permanent licence to hold the three-day event at Longmoor Lane annually in July.”

The 2024 festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary year, will be held from July 11 - 13 and features a wide range of acts. Performers include Queen tribute Now I'm Here and Tom Jones tribute Benidorm Tom.

Founded in 2004, the annual event raises money for charity and is expected to attract 3,000 people this year. For the past few years, the festival has been based at Carnfield Hall, in South Normanton.

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References

  1. ^ and Long Eaton (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
  2. ^ Erewash Borough Council (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
  3. ^ . (www.derbytelegraph.co.uk)
  4. ^ What's the best thing to do in Derbyshire on a rainy day? (xd.wayin.com)
  5. ^ the free Derbyshire Live What's On newsletter here (data.reachplc.com)

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