The organisers of Tide Festival celebrated a weekend of entertainment, raving, and family fun, despite concerns from residents and Maldon District Council.

The festival took place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, on an undisclosed field near Woodham Walter. It was described as a festival which "inspires people to make a positive contribution to the world".

Tide Festival Founder Chris Murphy told Nub News: "I'm pleased to report that all involved had a brilliant time at our community festival - we are extremely proud of our team of volunteers who provided entertainment all weekend, ran stalls and workshops, fed and watered everyone, coordinated traffic, guided people around the site and maintained a safe and secure environment. We are also delighted that our revellers drove carefully through the local villages and were respectful enough to leave the place spotless when they left - come Monday morning, it was impossible to tell that anyone had been there!"

The unofficial festival offered late night music, morning healing sessions, shopping and socialising, craft workshops and children's activities.

The festival organisers disputed the negative connotations associated with rave music. (Credit: Tide Festival)

However, it was the subject of controversy in the Maldon District, as residents became concerned with a 'rave' style event taking place in their village. This led to Essex Police issuing a 'dispersal order' over the weekend.

Maldon District Councillor Mark Durham told Nub News police were unhappy with the festival's safety arrangements.

He said: "The event, promoted as a rave, has caused significant local concern.

"The organiser failed to demonstrate that sufficient precautions had been put in place. There is widespread concern that loud music is due to be played until midnight each day" 

However, Tide Festival organisers say their aim was to create a vibrant family atmosphere, and feel the rave-style music caused unnecessary concern in the local area. 

"In the weeks leading up to the festival, we were able to offer reassurance by producing a comprehensive and robust Event Management Plan and monitoring sound levels regularly," Chris Murphy added.

Tide Festival offered yoga sessions, along with craft workshops and late-night music. (Credit: Tide Festival)

"We were happy to meet with the local Parish Council, the District Council and police in the days leading up to the festival to allay any concerns and build bridges with these authorities in order to smooth the way for the future."

He also reported that a number of local residents took up the offer of free tickets, taking part in the event and meeting with organisers.

Mr Murphy concluded: "Feedback from the villagers of Woodham Walter and Ulting was overwhelmingly positive and we hope to see even more locals relaxing and enjoying themselves next year."

Following its success, Tide Festival is set to return in August next year. It is unclear whether Tide Festival will seek to gain the correct permissions in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Smoke & Fire Festival took place at Maldon's Promenade Park last weekend, but was met with mixed reviews.

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