People power keeps Wolvestock free

1.39.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jul 2009

Darren Friel (centre) with the petition he organised

A petition organised by Lib Dem Campaigner Darren Friel and signed by over 2,000 residents spelled the end of charging for the annual Wolvestock event in Wolverhampton's East Park.

The festival traditionally attracts around over 20,000 music fans and revellers from across the country. Wolvestock 15 will run from July 25-26 and entry to the festival will now remain free to the general public after the controversial charges were scrapped due to ­mounting opposition from local residents. Darren Friel said, "This is a monumental victory for East Park Ward residents and the City as a whole." Everyone involved should be very pleased with their great achievement because ­Wolvestock has been free to the ­public ever since it started back in 1994 and this festival has put East Park well and truly on the map." "I would like to ­ take this opportunity to congratulate the ­residents of East Park Ward for ­showing their ­overwhelming and ­un-faltering ­support ­throughout this ­campaign and making it a real success." "This victory just goes to show that there is greater strength in numbers."