A vibrant Punjabi music festival is scheduled for this weekend at the Sky-Ex Community Stadium in Hayes, featuring renowned Indian singer and actress Sunanda Sharma as the headline act. The event, set for Sunday, June 14, from 11am to 8pm, celebrates traditional Punjabi culture and has received approval from Hillingdon Council after a brief licensing hearing.
Festival Details and Venue Setup
The festival will take place at the home of Hayes & Yeading United FC, with the 3G pitch divided into a standing audience zone and a seated section accommodating approximately 800 folding chairs plus large sofas for VIPs and guests. This ticketed, alcohol-free, family-friendly event expects around 2,000 attendees throughout the day, with a maximum capacity of 1,500 at any given time. While primarily aimed at the Sikh and Punjabi community in the Southall and Hayes area, the event is open to all.
A truck stage will serve as the centrepiece, hosting live bands, spoken word performances, and dance acts. The headline act is Sunanda Sharma, a well-known Indian singer and actress. The venue will also feature market stalls and food concession stands offering hot and cold food and beverages. Initially planned inflatables and children's rides have been removed from the programme.
Licensing Approval Process
During a six-minute meeting on Thursday, June 11, Hillingdon Council's Licensing Sub-committee was informed that all previous objections from council officers and teams had been withdrawn following discussions with the applicant. The application initially attracted concerns from the council's environmental protection team, the food and safety team, and the Metropolitan Police, particularly regarding crime prevention, disorder, public nuisance, and public safety. However, all objections were withdrawn after constructive engagement with event organisers.
Shortly after proceedings began, a legal officer informed the committee of "some developments." A council officer explained that revised documentation adequately addressed the concerns raised. No public objections were made, and committee councillors raised no queries. Cllr Darran Davies proceeded directly to the verdict, stating: "The Licensing Subcommittee notes that all representation has been withdrawn prior to the hearing. The application is therefore no longer contested and will be granted as applied for subject to conditions consistent with the operating schedule and mandatory statutory conditions."
Safety and Security Measures
The event will be staffed by 30 qualified security officers, along with two paramedics and an ambulance on standby for medical emergencies. An emergency evacuation and traffic management plan has also been implemented. It remains unclear what specific measures were introduced to address earlier concerns, as this was not detailed during the brief hearing.
Tickets and Attendance
Festival tickets are currently on sale via Eventbrite, priced at £15 plus booking fees. The event promises a celebration of Punjabi culture with music, dance, and food, welcoming attendees from all backgrounds.
