U-turn over concerts on Thames private island

A series of concerts on a private island on the River Thames in Surrey are to take place after a council U-turn over health and safety concerns.

D'Oyly Carte Island has been given the go-ahead to host three days of music and entertainment from 4 to 6 July as part of the Weybridge Festival.

In January, Elmbridge Borough Council issued a notice to stop the event going ahead, but now said the weekend concert can go ahead "after four months of working on risk assessment and escape plans".

Andy Hill, island owner and event organiser, said: "Extensive safety measures that have been put in place will result in a safe and fabulous event with some sensational performers."

Mr Hill said his application was for a repeat of the event held in 2024 on the island, which is named after the London theatre impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte, who purchased it in the late 19th Century.

Mr D'Oyly Carte built the Savoy Hotel and produced the first operettas from Gilbert And Sullivan.

The private island, which is inaccessible for part of the year, will host a range of music genres across the three days, including concerts devoted to Gilbert and Sullivan.

Council officers had previously said the island's "evacuation routes in the event of a fire or an emergency were not enough for the requirements", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Hill told a council meeting: "The island is 50 yards from the mainland.

"My experience of human beings, if confronted with burning to death or taking on 50 yards of the Thames, I know what I would do."

Councillors recognised that Mr Hill had put plans in place, such as an evacuation plan and alternative routes.

But Paul Hughes, chairman of the licensing committee, added: "I really encourage you to carry on working as there are clear issues that need to be resolved."

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