A HOTEL chain is seeking a premises licence to bring back a popular live music event for a second year.

Ramsides Estates Limited, which owns Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, County Durham, has applied for a two-day licence to stage Hardwick Live in September.

Durham County Council’s statutory licensing sub-committee will determine the application at Spennymoor Council Offices at 10am on Tuesday, April 29.

Last year, 8,500 music lovers attended the inaugural festival and enjoyed performances by top artists, including Texas, Jules Holland and Alison Moyet.

Organisers hailed the one-day event a major success but not all residents agreed.

Writing in objection of the new application, one resident described it as “extremely noisy” and another complained of parking and the mess left behind.

Sedgefield Residents’ Forum and Sedgefield Town Council recognised the event was well-managed but reiterated concerns about noise and asked the committee to consider only granting a one day licence for one year.

The new application seeks permission for a premise licence for a maximum of two consecutive days, Friday and Saturday, each year.

This would include the supply of alcohol and staging of live and recorded indoor and outdoor music, dance performances and similar activities from 10am to 11pm.

Permission is also sought to sell refreshments between 11pm and midnight.

A noise management strategy is being put in place, with last year’s tests revealing all sounds fell within an acceptable level.

The applicant also stated: “The premises will be controlled and used to the highest standards to take into account the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.”

The acts at this year’s event, on Saturday, September 14, will be revealed next month.