People concerned about a new all-day festival that promises to offer "raving in the sunshine" in a field on the edge of the city next month have been assured they do not need to worry.

Drum in the Sun is set to take Arminghall, just south of the city, by storm on Saturday, April 27, between midday and 9.30pm.

The event, branded "Norwich's biggest day party", will feature 25 music acts and will see a big tent, a chill-out area and street food vans pitched on the site.

Caistor St Edmund and Bixley Parish Council discussed the licence application for the drum and bass festival earlier this month.

Council chairwoman Jeanette Utting confirmed that five members of the public attended and issues raised included the potential noise, traffic, weather conditions and parking implications that the event might cause.


Norwich Evening News: A field next to the A47 and on the same site as the Arminghall car boot will host the festivalA field next to the A47 and on the same site as the Arminghall car boot will host the festival (Image: Google)

The licence - which has since been approved by South Norfolk Council - could see other events take place on the site, next to the Arminghall Car Boot Sale field in Old Stoke Road.

Junkyard Market Norwich's founder Michael Femi-Ola, whose company Roundabout 51 applied for the licence, is one of the event's key organisers.

The Norwich businessman said: "We applied for the licence for this event and also for the venue to be open to diversification in the future.

"The landowners can now host other events - mainly weddings - in the space, but could also host anything from food festivals to craft fairs.

"This music party is a one-off event."

Norwich Evening News: Michael Femi-Ola, founder of Junkyard Market NorwichMichael Femi-Ola, founder of Junkyard Market Norwich (Image: Archant)

The event has been the talk of the area.

Andy Fiddament, 62, from Old Lakenham, said: "It will cause a lot of traffic issues.

"This road is always ridiculously busy and blocked by parked cars just for the car boot sale near that site."

Caroline Page, 74, from Caistor St Edmund, has similar concerns, saying: "I wouldn't be that happy about it if I can hear it late at night.

"The traffic will be bad and several roads around here are already damaged by potholes."

Norwich Evening News: Andy Fiddament is a local who could see the festival causing huge issues with traffic in the areaAndy Fiddament is a local who could see the festival causing huge issues with traffic in the area (Image: Newsquest)

However, plenty of people are in favour of Drum in the Sun, including Vic Stone, from Arminghall.

"I used to go to festivals back in the day," said Vic.

"You're only young once, and there isn't enough organised locally for young people to go out and have a good time."

Another Arminghall local, Cristen Cameron, 40, agreed: "It could be a great thing!

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"We just haven't heard anything about it."

Norwich Evening News: The event will take place on a field near the Arminghall Car Boot site, with a separate entrance.The event will take place on a field near the Arminghall Car Boot site, with a separate entrance. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Femi-Ola insists the event's organiser will work hard to cause as little disruption to those living in the local area as possible.

He said: "The event is due to finish at 9.30pm in accordance with the licence we have.

"There should be no impact on the local residents.

"We will be running a resident hotline during the event in case anyone has any concerns, with details of how to contact us posted on our Facebook page.

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"We also have a traffic management plan in place to ensure that cars aren't parked along the road. 

Norwich Evening News: The Arminghall Car Boot Sale site, next to where the drum and bass festival is plannedThe Arminghall Car Boot Sale site, next to where the drum and bass festival is planned (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

"Attendees can get to the event by taxi, shuttle bus or drop-off, and we are currently communicating with the land owner to sort parking at the site.

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"All updates will be posted on our social media page in the days leading up to the event."

Originally the location of the event was kept secret, causing concern for those buying tickets in advance, who posted that they were worried that it could be a scam on Facebook.

However, the location was released last week and is now being publicised as Arminghall, with bus shuttle, taxi and parking details due to be released soon.

Ticket prices range from £22 and £33.60 with acts announced for the line-up so far including K Motionz, Pola & Bryson, Sota and Particle.