We would like to apologise for the disruption experienced following last night’s event at our venue.

We recognise that the event resulted in significant traffic congestion, delayed journeys, changes to personal plans, and disruption to daily life for many people. We also understand that some residents experienced unacceptable behaviour. We appreciate how frustrating and upsetting this would have been for those affected.

While the event itself was organised and managed by a third party event promoter, we fully recognise that the impact has been felt by our local community and we are sorry for the inconvenience and distress caused.

The event and associated traffic management arrangements were subject to extensive planning and review. Relevant departments at Cheshire West and Chester Council, including highways officers, were involved in assessing and approving the plans in advance.

However, we acknowledge that despite these preparations, the experience for many residents fell short of what anyone would have expected.

This morning, our teams began work to address litter and other environmental impacts in the surrounding area, and this work will continue over the coming days where necessary. If you notice litter or other issues that require attention, please contact us with a photograph and a What3Words location (or another precise location reference) so that we can ensure it is dealt with as quickly as possible – please email info@bolesworth.com

As this was the first event of this nature to be held at the venue, it has provided valuable learnings for all parties involved. Having carefully considered the impact on local residents and the wider community, we do not currently intend to host this event again, or other events with similar operational requirements and community impacts.

We value our relationship with our neighbours and local community. Feedback from residents is vitally important and will be acted on where appropriate, and shared with the relevant parties as part of the post-event review process.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Bolesworth Estate

What happened?

No Art Open Air Festival took place at Bolesworth on Saturday 30^th May. Following the event, significant traffic congestion and disruption were experienced across Tattenhall and the surrounding area. We recognise the impact this had on residents, businesses and visitors and understand the frustration it caused.

Was this a Bolesworth event?

No. The festival was organised and operated by an independent event promoter, which was responsible for the planning and delivery of the event, including operational arrangements and traffic management.

However, as the host venue, we recognise that the impact was felt by our local community and we take seriously our responsibility to consider the wider effects that events held at Bolesworth can have on our neighbours and surrounding areas.

Who approved the event?

Events of this scale are subject to a detailed planning process involving the event organiser, Cheshire West and Chester Council, highways officers, emergency services and other relevant agencies. As part of that process, event management and traffic management plans are reviewed and assessed prior to approval being granted.

The purpose of this process is to ensure that events can be delivered safely and with appropriate measures in place to manage their impact on local communities and the wider road network.

While the event and associated plans progressed through the required approval process, it is clear that the level of disruption experienced by residents and road users was unacceptable and will now be the subject of a full review involving all relevant parties.

Why was there so much traffic disruption?

A full review is is being undertaken involving the event organisers, Cheshire West and Chester Council and other stakeholders to establish exactly what happened and understand the factors that contributed to the disruption experienced across the local road network.

While it would be inappropriate to pre-empt the findings of that review, it is understood that a number of factors contributed to the congestion. These included challenges associated with the implementation of traffic management arrangements, together with the breakdown of a bus on the local road network, which further restricted traffic flow and exacerbated delays in the area.

The review process will consider all contributing factors to ensure that a full understanding is reached and that any lessons arising are appropriately addressed.

Was Bolesworth aware there would be disruption?

Large-scale events inevitably generate additional traffic and activity. Plans are put in place to manage this and minimise impacts on local communities.

However, the level of disruption experienced following this event was significantly greater than anticipated and fell short of expectations.

Will No Art Festival return to Bolesworth?

Will Bolesworth continue to host events?

Yes. Bolesworth has a long history of hosting a wide range of events and activities that contribute positively to the local economy and wider region.

We remain committed to hosting events that are responsibly planned, professionally delivered and considerate of local communities.

Will similar events be held at Bolesworth in future?

We are not planning to host events with similar operational requirements and community impacts.

The experience of this event will inform future decision-making and any future events will continue to be assessed carefully, taking into account their potential impact on local residents, businesses, infrastructure and the wider community.

What is being done to address litter and environmental impacts?

Our teams were mobilised immediately following the event and have been working  over the last 24 hours to clear litter and address any environmental impacts across the surrounding area. This work will continue throughout today, with additional resources deployed where needed.

We will continue to respond to specific requests from residents and businesses and would encourage anyone who identifies areas that still require attention to contact us directly with details and, where possible, a photograph and location reference such as a What3Words address.

We also recognise that some residents and businesses may have already cleared litter from their own properties or surrounding areas. If you have collected rubbish that requires removal and disposal, or if there are areas on your property that still require attention, please contact us and we will arrange collection and disposal.

Please email info@bolesworth.com with details of the location so that we can respond as quickly as possible.

How can residents share feedback or raise concerns?

We welcome feedback from residents, businesses and local stakeholders.

Anyone wishing to share feedback or report issues can contact Bolesworth via info@bolesworth.com . Feedback received will help inform the post-event review process.

What happens next?

We are working with the event organisers and relevant stakeholders to review what occurred and understand the factors that contributed to the disruption experienced.

The findings from that review will help inform future decisions regarding events at Bolesworth ensuring that the interests of local communities remain a key consideration.