RESIDENTS and Gazette readers have reacted angrily to the news that for the first time ever there will be an entry fee to the town’s two-day music festival.

As previously reported in The Gazette, the decision was made last month by cabinet member for arts and heritage at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Councillor Terri Reid to charge entry fees at Basingstoke Live.

For the first time in the event’s 12-year history, revellers will be charged £10 per day or £15 for a weekend ticket, with the idea to bring bigger acts to the town and help the event grow.

However, since the news entry fee system might be introduced emerged, it has had mixed opinions, with some thinking there had not been enough consultation surrounding the proposal.

Now thatthe decision was taken by Cllr Reid to bring in the charge for the 2018 event, Gazette readers took to social media to air their “disgust” at the news, with some people arguing for a boycott.

Posting on The Gazette’s Facebook page, Karl Stewart said: “What a shame. People should boycott the event in protest.”

Andy Wainwright added: “I thought the council could only charge entry to a public park a couple of times a year. They have seen this event grow year on year, now they want the people to pay?

No way. It’s a disgrace, many people won’t have the money for it.”

Though the main aim is to bring in bigger artists to Basingstoke, the borough council said the event would still be first and foremost a platform for local acts and artists.

Cllr Reid said: “This supports our vision of a borough positively known for arts and culture; a place where arts are an integral part of Basingstoke and Deane’s identity and reputation.”

However, when The Gazette asked readers did they still plan to attend this year’s event, one resident, Tracey Bourne, said : “Nope, I’ll sit in the garden and listen to it now.”