I’d like to thank everyone who came out once again to support Ruddfest in 2018. The event is officially on many people’s agenda for the year now, and it’s lovely to see so many of them getting together and enjoying themselves.
Ruddington is now firmly on the map when it comes to beer festivals! But whilst the event takes just 4 days to enjoy, it takes months of careful “behind the scenes” planning to put Ruddfest together.
I know a few people were disappointed by the fencing around The Green and the controlled entry and exit system, so I’d like to shed some light on the issue.
Rushcliffe Borough Council decided that the licensed area must be enclosed. This was to make sure the number of people inside could be managed and controlled, whilst enabling us to monitor what was being drunk and by whom.
All the organisers of, and participants in, Ruddfest have a responsibility to follow the key licensing objectives. These are:
- Preventing crime and disorder
- Ensuring public safety
- Preventing public nuisance
- Protecting children from harm.
By having a fence in place, we had more control over the event. We’ll be meeting with the Borough Council in the coming months to review how things went, and look at an increased capacity for 2019 to reduce queuing and the need for “one in, one out” at peak times.
Whilst some people didn’t like the fencing, I’ve received lots of compliments from families with young children who did like it. They said how much safer they felt, and that their kids could run around and play freely without the dangers of wandering off onto busy roads.
Ruddfest is loved by all generations, young and old. Every year, we try to build on the previous year’s success by responding to feedback and making it even better. We’re already thinking about Ruddfest 2019 – are you? Put the dates in your diary now: Thursday 30th May to Sunday 2nd June.
Thanks again to everyone who came to or participated in Ruddfest 2018. It’s down to you that we had yet another amazing event.
John Noble
Photos courtesy of Graham Wright