Councillors last night (Thursday) decided to block an Oktoberfest beer festival that would have seen thousands of drinkers descend on Caledonian Park.

German company London Oktoberfest said the event, which had been planned to run from Thursday September 10 2015 to the following Sunday, would have had “so much beer, food and music that...it’s just like being in Munich”.

Construction of a giant tent would have started three days before the festival, with the site not being fully cleared until Tuesday September 15.

Almost 30 residents and the Caledonian Park Friends Group sent objections to Islington Council with fears over binge drinking, crime, loud “oompah” music, the park being too small and its heritage being at put risk.

Mike Power, who is part of the Friends group, told the Tribune last night: “We are hugely relieved. Now 440 homes will not have to put up with this Europop rubbish.”

Mr Power said the council had stood to make £20,000 from the hire of the park.

Another objector said: “The Oktoberfests that I’ve attended in Germany objectify women, making the female staff wear revealing uniforms.”

Mr Power also said Lambeth Council put a stop to an Oktoberfest event after glass was found in a nearby children’s playground.

Many objectors pointed out how close the park is to nearby flats and said music playing until 10.30pm from Thursday to Saturday would lead to “unbearable” noise levels.

London Oktoberfest is also planning similar events in Brixton, Camden and Canary Wharf.

• Keywords
  PARKS, BEER FESTIVALS
• Geographical keyword
  CALEDONIAN PARK [Open Space]