Residents outraged as Durham County Council permits two-day 'rave' in Lambton Park
Hundreds of people attended the Washington Weekender at Lambton Park over the August Bank Holiday weekend
by Bill Edgar · ChronicleLiveA Durham resident has challenged the council's decision to permit a two-day 'rave' in a local park. The Washington Weekender at Lambton Park, which took place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, attracted hundreds of attendees.
Trevor Regan, who lives in nearby General's Wood in Washington, questioned Durham County Council's decision during a cabinet meeting.
He asked: "Why [has] Durham County Council, for the last two years, granted a licence for the Lambton Estate to hold a rave over two consecutive days, between 12 midday and 11pm in the evening, which causes significant noise pollution for thousands of residents in the area? This is not just noise pollution in the garden it's in our homes.
"My wife had a migraine when the rave was on and it's very painful for her to endure this noise in our own home which we have lived in for 25 years. Why do you do this and will you continue to do this?"
The Washington Weekender promoted itself as a family-friendly event with live music, food, and funfair rides. It featured local bands and DJ sets playing "Old Skool anthems" throughout the two-day festival. The event took place in the historic Lambton Estate, near Chester-le-Street, including the grounds of Lambton Castle.
In response to Mr Regan's concerns, Durham County Council stated that the event was held after obtaining the necessary licence from the local authority.
Councillor John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for rural communities and highways, stated: "A licence for Lambton Estates to carry out one licensed event per year was granted in May 2024 following a statutory consultation process.
"The Licensing Act allows for licences to be reviewed by an authority if a complainant applies to the council for this to happen.
"Reviews are designed to consider whether the following licensing objectives are being promoted, prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm."
The organisers of Washington Weekender were contacted for comment.
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