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Noise and anti social behaviour at events staged at Black Rock Kemptown

From "Outdoor events forum"

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We live on Lewes Crescent. We were never consulted about the new use of this area for music events and World Cup events. Traditionally these type of events were located on the beach further down, we understood that these events are popular to locals and visitors, and we’ve always respected the manner in which these events were run.

But the issue with moving them to black Rock is that the noise travels up and around Lewes Crescent and The adjoining addresses, it can be heard well into Kemptown, the architecture acts as a huge speaker! The windows literally shake.

I’ve called the company Central Park several times to ask them to turn it down, particularly the dominant bass sound, but their independent noise management assure us every time that the noise is under the danger level.

Last night was the worst yet, a huge screen showing the England match. There was constant thumping music, and way above that noise was the MC on the mic shouting above it all. It’s quite intimidating.

This is a residential area. Kemptown has always put in events and entertainment, but this is so out of place here. At night it’s always quiet, even the pubs and restaurants respect the locals

This company have taken free rein without a thought for all the locals living here, apart from offering us 25% off of the events, which we can hear from our living rooms and bedrooms! The heatwave has added to the frustration as we have to keep our windows closed from the noise pollution.

I sincerely hope this is just a trial, we will certainly not be supporting these kinds of events in the future unless they are run responsibly and respectfully. I will be talking to all the neighbours on this subject… by the way, we are musicians so totally understand, but this is live music at its irresponsible worst!!

please reply to this ASAP

Regards

June

Official updates

Last update: 27 June 2026

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I am writing to submit a formal complaint regarding the Central Park Screen events in Black Rock and to request that the Council investigates the impact these events are having on local residents and whether the event is complying with its licensing conditions. The noise generated by the events is excessive and extends far beyond the event site. Music can be clearly heard from flats in the Marina that are a considerable distance away, causing significant disturbance, particularly during the evenings. Residents are unable to enjoy their homes without prolonged noise intrusion. There have also been repeated incidents of people urinating in public around the surrounding streets and open spaces. This is unacceptable, creates an unpleasant environment for residents, and raises concerns about public hygiene and anti-social behaviour. A further concern is the large number of people gathering outside the enclosed festival area without tickets. These individuals congregate around the perimeter of the event, adding to noise, congestion, litter, and anti-social behaviour. It appears that insufficient measures have been put in place to manage people outside the licensed event area. I am also concerned that local residents and neighbouring properties were not adequately consulted before these events were approved. Given the scale of the event and its impact on the surrounding residential area, meaningful consultation with those affected should have taken place. Many residents are now experiencing significant disruption despite having had no opportunity to raise concerns beforehand. I respectfully ask the Council to review whether the event is complying with its licensing conditions, particularly those relating to noise control, public nuisance, public safety, and the management of crowds both inside and outside the event site. I also request that the Council reviews the adequacy of the consultation process undertaken before permission was granted. Residents have a reasonable expectation to enjoy their homes without excessive noise, anti-social behaviour, or public nuisance. I would appreciate a full response outlining the Council’s findings and the actions it intends to take to address these issues and to prevent similar problems in future.
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This thing has been a horror show for anyone living in the surrounding area of Black Rock. I live in Marine Gate and for the last three weeks I've never been sure if I'm going to be woken up by MCs shouting or sudden bass hitting out of nowhere (I start work early so usually I'm in bed by ~9:30). Yeah OK maybe ONE weekend, but continuously for three weeks? (or has it been longer?) Couple that with seeing people urinating up the wall of Marine Gate as well. I complained and was told that this was all discussed at a residents meeting? Well how are we supposed to know this thing was being discussed? If this kind of event is being *considered* a letter should be put through every resident's door to advise a meeting planned so that it can be discussed. Once again, Brighton residents are an afterthought.
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Profile of Alex Banks
Posted by:Alex Banks
2 weeks ago
Totally agree. We’re on Lewes Crescent and are appalled at the lack of consideration given to the local residents.
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Please tell your councillors. The next Kemptown councillors surgery at St Marys Church Hall every first Saturday of the month 1.30-2.30 .
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I support this objection as a resident of Lewes Crescent. We were not consulted and have not been provided with information about dates, times, or frequency. Learning that there are 17 event days within a single month is deeply concerning. The noise, particularly the deep bass, carries directly into our homes from early afternoon until close to midnight. We can physically feel the vibrations, with windows and walls shaking. These are Grade I listed buildings, and it is alarming to experience this level of disturbance. The impact on residents’ enjoyment of their homes and quality of life is considerable. The huge crowds when leaving the site late at night, are shouting and singing in surrounding streets and at local bus stops right next to our homes. There appears to be no supervision or security presence to manage the dispersal of crowds and minimise disruption to local residents. I urge immediate action to reduce noise levels, particularly bass frequencies, as a matter of urgency, for crowds to be supervised, and for the suitability of Black Rock as a venue for events of this scale to be reviewed.
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@Suzi Roberts Please tell your councillors. The next Kemptown councillors surgery at St Marys Church Hall every first Saturday of the month 1.30-2.30 .
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Profile of Al Davies
Posted by:Al Davies
4 weeks ago
Dxxn right, I can hear everything that's going on down there from my bed two streets back from the seafront. We've barely heard anything from the previous events staged towards the pier. I've put complaints in to the environmental health dept and nothing has been done. The council have a legal duty to police this properly. Why is this not being done?
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Profile of Hugh Ross
Posted by:Hugh Ross
4 weeks ago
Absolutely agree. This is an outrageous development with absolutely no consideration for this neighbourhood
  • 1 like
@Hugh Ross Please tell your councillors. The next Kemptown councillors surgery at St Marys Church Hall every first Saturday of the month 1.30-2.30
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@Al Davies Please tell your councillors. The next Kemptown councillors surgery at St Marys Church Hall every first Saturday of the month 1.30-2.30 .
  • no likes
@Al Davies Please tell your councillors. The next Kemptown councillors surgery at St Marys Church Hall every first Saturday of the month 1.30-2.30 .
  • no likes
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