Gunnersbury Announces Changes to Event Management
Says it is committed to addressing concerns of the community
A music festival at Gunnersbury Park. Picture: Sarah Louise Benedict
May 15, 2024
Following a number of complaints from residents living near Gunnersbury Park, the management has announced changes to the way it will run events this summer.
In an effort to improve sound management, an independent acoustic consultancy has been commissioned to review events from 2023 and address complaints received from local residents and councils.
In response to feedback including complaints from people living nearby that festival goers were urinating in their gardens, there will be increased toilet facilities and signage for park events.
Additional exit routes for attendees are to be provided to try to ensure orderly dispersal after events, and utilising alternative transport hubs to relieve the impact on Acton Town tube station.
Management says that, as part of its commitment to engage with the community, public consultation meetings will provide residents with the opportunity to discuss events directly, share feedback, and learn about the projects and benefits for the local community.
This year, additional acoustic professionals will be present at each of the events carrying out an extra layer of sound monitoring, specifically implementing recommendations to reduce bass frequencies and minimise noise disruption.
There will be a dedicated resident Noise & Complaint line: 020 3781 0001.
Since the park has increased the number of music festival it hosts, there have been concerns expressed about noise and the reduced public access. The Save Gunnersbury Park group recently set up a ‘Garden of Resistance’ near the Old Cricket Pitch to protest what it described as the increased commercial exploitation of the park.
The 'Garden of Resistance' was near to the Old Cricket Pitch
Julia Mattingley, Head of Operations & Commercial at Gunnersbury says, "We understand that our summer events programme may not be welcomed by everyone, and we are committed to addressing concerns and ensuring a positive experience for all.
"This year, we have implemented several enhancements to sound management, facilities, and signage to minimise disruption and improve the overall event experience for residents and visitors.
“The Summer Programme at Gunnersbury is crucial for the upkeep of the park. The events provide vital income to enable the Gunnersbury Museum and Park Development Trust to maintain the estate and continue serving our community.
"This year, Gunnersbury Park aims to raise £1.35 million in income through commercial activities to support the ongoing maintenance and operations of the park. These events play a crucial role in sustaining the park's viability and accessibility for the benefit of the entire community.”
Profits from events have gone towards grounds maintenance and management of trees and water features, conservation of the Museum, Orangery, and Temple heritage buildings as well as specific improvement projects, such as the current improvement works to park pathways.
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