ORGANISERS of a new Hampshire festival are celebrating after getting the all-clear from civic chiefs.

Members of Winchester’s licensing sub-committee unanimously agreed to conditions for the new Graze Festival – held at Twyford – at a meeting two weeks ago.

Despite concerns raised by Hampshire Constabulary over bag searches and some technical details of the event management plan, city councillors authorised the license which will allow up to 4,999 people on site at the event on August 30.

It will be open from 11am-11pm seeing headline acts The Blockheads and Paul Young, as well as some bands which played at Glastonbury this year, signed up. Co-organisers are locals Roger Walker and Timothy Smith who hope the new festival will help put Twyford on the map with the acts, made famous during the 80s, as well as entertainers seen at this year’s Hat Fair.

Mr Walker said: “Obviously we’re pleased the council have granted us the license. It’s the first year for us so we’re finding our feet going through the technicalities. It obviously went to the committee because there were some questions from the police authority but the committee are happy to accept the way we want to run the festival.”

The event, originally hoped to be called Twyfest, will be held at Humphries Farm in Hazeley Road, and tickets will cost £50 for a family – two adults and three children, and there will be concessionary prices.

All proceeds from the event will go towards local charities.