The first edition of techno festival Awakenings in Hilvarenbeek has caused a shower of complaints. Nearly 300 complaints and reports have been received, the municipality reports. These were about noise pollution and the traffic situation at the end of the festival days. Several people were also concerned about the animals on the Beekse Bergen.
Approximately 100,000 visitors came to the three-day summer festival. A maximum noise standard was agreed in advance. The Environment Agency for Central and West Brabant (OMWB) has checked several times whether the organization adhered to this. That turned out to be the case.
“Because we have had several reports of noise nuisance, we will consult with the organization of the upcoming festivals about what measures can be taken,” says the municipality of Hilvarenbeek. “In order to limit the nuisance. But we take into account the permit that has been issued.”
traffic chaos
There were traffic problems, those reports were justified. “Things did not go well, we also made improvement agreements with the organization during the festival and checked whether those agreements were fulfilled.”
The reports came in via social media, via the municipality and via and the hotline of the OMWB. It is not known whether some of the reports came from the same complainants. No one could be reached at the municipality for an explanation on Thursday evening.
animals
According to the municipality, De Beekse Bergen states that the welfare of the animals in the safari park is continuously monitored. “There is no increase in stress as a result of the sound of the festivals. Animals can handle monotonous tones well.”
There are four festivals in Hilvarenbeek this year. It will be evaluated afterwards.