Festival gets licensing go-ahead for two-day event
Oak PhotographyA music festival has been granted a licence to operate for two days instead of one.
Stir Events originally proposed extending Cliff Top Music Festival in Highcliffe, Dorset, to three days, twice a year, but scaled back its plans after objections from locals.
The decision by the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council licensing committee means the annual event can go ahead on 5-6 September, finishing at 20:00 BST on Saturday and 17:00 on Sunday.
Managing director Mandy Polkey said: "This decision allows us to continue delivering a safe, well-managed and much-loved community event that brings real economic and social benefit to the village."
The festival began as a free one-day community event in 2023, attended by about 8,000 people.
About 2,500 people attended in September 2025.
Oak PhotographyThe 2026 edition features Robert Arkins' Commitments and the Fleetwood Mac Experience.
Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council previously cited concerns such as noise, antisocial behaviour and transport issues.
A parish council spokesperson said: "While there remains some public anxiety about noise, we hope the new restrictions will address these.
"And with an expanded two-day festival, we hope there will be an opportunity for Highcliffe's hospitality businesses and other local suppliers.
"We wish the organisers the best of luck for a very successful event."
