Norwich Comedy Garden annoys folk near Chapelfield Gardens

They say noise from family-friendly activities taking place at the site is "horrendous", despite the council monitoring volumes to ensure they stay within the legal limits.

Norwich Comedy Garden, a new festival in the city, began on July 1 (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

Locals are also moaning there are too many events taking place in the park, which has been open to the public since 1880.

Chapelfield Gardens draws massive crowds for events, including Norwich Comedy Garden, the Lord Mayor's Weekend and Norwich Pride, all of which are managed by Norwich City Council.

Hundreds are set to descend on the 28,000sq metre site this weekend for Norwich Comedy Garden, a comedy festival spanning five days with performances from 35 acts.

Headliners of the event, organised by 57 Festivals, include Jack Dee and Sarah Pascoe.

Sara Pascoe (Image: Comedy Garden)

Around 50pc of the park is being used for the festival.

The organisers were granted a small extension from Norwich City Council due to the ongoing revamp of Chapelfield bandstand taking up space.

The site boundary extends across the pavement in the park (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

The bandstand in its final stages of renovation (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

Sue West, who has lived in Little Bethel Street for 23 years, said: "I have never seen so much of the park taken up for the comedy event.

"The events are too frequent.

"I don't know what the council are thinking, letting it happen.

Sue West (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

"I have complained many times, but they won't cancel the events even though the residents hate them."

Willem Buttinger, who lives in NR2, said: “I’ve always been concerned about massive lorries parking up for events such as this one and the funfairs.

“I wrote to Denise Carlo, my local councillor, and I have been in touch with Amanda Fox, a Green councillor.

“The head of parks for Norwich City Council told me they would think about doing something.

Willem Buttinger (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

The grass is 'destroyed' from events (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

"The state of the park needs urgent action; the grass is completely dead."

Lucy Hall, who has lived in Walpole Gardens for nine years, is concerned about more than 50pc of the park's green space being lost.

She said: “I feel disappointed.

“Most of my neighbours have no garden despite the name of our block.

“This is our space to relax, walk the dogs.

Lucy Hall (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

“I have no objection to Comedy Garden or the individuals.

“Why do Norwich City Council keep allowing these events to happen?"

A spokesman for Norwich City Council said: "Norwich Comedy Festival allows residents to enjoy entertainment on their doorstep.

"We recognise that events can sometimes disrupt nearby residents and park users, and we work closely with organisers to minimise this.

"All events held in our parks must meet strict requirements covering areas such as noise management, park protection, public safety and event operating times."

The manager of Norwich Comedy Gardens has refused to comment.