Lowestoft lies on the Norfolk / Suffolk border and is Britain’s most easterly town. Its unique location means that Lowestoft is the first town in the UK to welcome in the summer solstice each year.

This source of inspiration led to the creation of the First Light Festival – the idea coming from director Genevieve Christie and designer Wayne Hemingway.

First taking place in 2019, the midsummer festival spans a wide range of events including live music accompanying the sunrise.  Other daytime activities include poetry readings, dance, talks, hands-on science experiments and activities for children. Beach camping adds to the special atmosphere .

In advance of the initial festival, Adrian James Acoustics was commissioned to create a noise management plan. We created computer models, took measurements and designed a noise mitigation strategy. During the Festival weekend, key locations were monitored to ensure compliance with the plan and to reduce the impact on local residents.

This was far from our first experience in festival event monitoring. For many years we have analysed and recorded noise levels in other locations such as King’s Lynn and at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. In addition, we provide expert advice for smaller events such as weddings and outdoor concerts. The detailed information we offer helps to ensure that regulations are met.

As for the First Light Festival, our noise management plan continues to provide the basis for running a successful diverse programme of events. The Festival has helped boost the local economy and draws attention to a sometimes overlooked seaside town.

Following a hiatus due to Covid-19, the Festival is back on track for 2022. Organisers hope that this event will prove even more popular than before.

For further details, follow this link.

Client : Waveney District Council
Agent : Flipside

Image credits : Charlotte McGuiness / Mykola Romanovsky / First Light Festival CIC