TROON’S ‘Winterstorm-Family Friendly Rock Music Festival’ got a licence this week- but not without serious discussion.

The music festival is being organised by Ian McCaig, who is hoping to lease the Troon Concert and Walker Halls from South Ayrshire Council as acts from across the world come to Troon. 

The event is aimed towards classic rock fans. Mr. McCaig is also hoping the event will  be a springboard to other successful events including a blues festival in February 2017.

Mr McCaig was also accompanied by  Jonathan Morton, a personal license holder required for the occasional licence application.
He said making his case for the festival: “We are hoping to make this a tourism event and bring people to Troon.

“We are hoping to showcase local business and get the whole of Ayrshire involved. We want this to be an inclusive event not an exclusive event.

“Wi-fi is being installed so it can be streamed online, as well as the beginning of a partnership with Brownings the bakers that will cater the event. It has been heavy but we are trying to do this professionally.”

However, South Ayrshire councillors chaired by Ann Galbraith were concerned about children being at the event and the free flow amongst drinking adults. It was revealed that any under-18s would have to wear red bands, given to them by security.

Cllr Alan Campbell said: “I am concerned about youngsters with no bands on getting served.”

Mr. McCaig replied: “It is as simple as this, no bands equals no service. No band equals the same as a red band.”

Cllr Ian Douglas gave his view: “I am dead impressed with the applicant. It is really good that young people would do this event and boost tourism.”

Mr. McCaig told the council meeting that 12 G4S staff would be deployed over the weekend to deal with security issues and at a cost of £1800 off the event’s budget.

He added: “If this was anywhere in Scotland, such as the Barrowlands this application would be approved.”

Cllr Ann Galbraith said: “That is not true, our policies are dictated to us by the Scottish Government. So it is not just us.”

After a short adjournment, councillors returned and offered a compromise in relation to children mixing with adult drinkers at the event. An alcohol free area and a cafe for food were approved.

Cllr Ann Galbraith concluded: “We wish you all the success.”