Gooseberry Pie Fair warned about the noise

A 136-year-old village fair in which residents parade a giant pie through the streets accompanied by traditional music has been ordered to tone down. The Gooseberry Pie Fair in Galmpton, Devon, which has its origins recorded in an old rhyme - "In eighteen hundred and seventy three, the people of Galmpton did agree, to hold a Gooseberry Pie Fair" lasts from noon to 5pm.

But the organisers have received an official warning after members of the public made complaints about the noise levels at this year's event on July 5. Dr Martin Ridge, chairman of the fair committee, said the complaint was "ridiculous" and added that the event raised £8,000 for charity.

He said: "It's very disappointing that someone's taken this pot shot. One or two people obviously don't want to enter into the community spirit. The fair is enjoyed by so many people, and tens of thousands of pounds have gone to charity in recent years.



"I'm not aware of any other fairs taking seriously such complaints. A complaint like this strikes me as completely and utterly ridiculous. The fair is held once a year on one afternoon, from noon to 5pm, not in the evening, so how could anyone object to it? It's potty."

Torbay Council's letter to the Gooseberry Pie Fair committee said the department has received complaints from a number of residents about the music causing a disturbance during the event. It said: "We understand the music was live and amplified. We do not consider this to be incidental music, and therefore this type of entertainment will require a Temporary Event Notice to be submitted in the future.

"Any noise emanating from the premises should not be at a level that causes a nuisance to neighbours or residents."