A family-friendly Sicilian-themed festival could be coming to Richmond town centre for three days next summer.

Marzamemi Festival would be held on Richmond Green from 25 to 27 June next year under the plans.

Organisers of the summer festival want to bring live Italian music, banquets and food stalls, cooking workshops, wine tasting, craft masterclasses, shopping and children's activities to Richmond Green for the first time, after previously holding the event in Old Deer Park.

But the plans have attracted backlash from locals concerned about restricting public access to the popular open space.

A total of 45 objections were sent in response to the proposals, including concerns neighbours would be disturbed by noise as the green is surrounded by homes.

Among objectors were Friends of Richmond Green and The Richmond Society.

Robert Tuday, representing The Richmond Society, told Richmond Council's licensing hearing on Monday evening (19 October) that he objected to taking away "public access to a large area of Richmond Green for a substantial period, to the point of constituting a public nuisance".

Mr Tuday said: "The festival involves the exclusive occupation by a commercial concern of a substantial area of the green, granting access to only those who pay, to the detriment of the non-paying public at large, who may wish to use the green and enjoy it as an amenity."

Resident Vivien Harris added: "The nuisance would not be limited to residents. Visitors wishing to enjoy the remaining accessible areas of Richmond Green for relaxation, recreation or family outings would also be subjected to the noise."

Lib Dem councillors Chris Varley, Massimo Chiesa and Katie Mansfield objected to the plans too.

Councillor Mansfield, lead member for Richmond Town Centre, said she did not believe "Richmond Green is the right location for an event of this scale or this format".

Other residents backed the plans, however, with ten letters of support describing it as a well-managed, family-friendly event that benefitted the borough.

Local mum and business owner Tara Stevens told the hearing the festival was desperately needed in the area.

Ms Stevens said the organisers made sure the festival brought "just as much fun and engagement as it does safety for the whole family".

She added: "We are begging for more activities like this, that are super curated for young families, to be closer to home."

Entry to the festival would be free for children.

Festival founder Emily Ceraudo said the event would be a "boutique, family-friendly celebration of Italian food, craft and culture on Richmond Green" that supported local businesses.

Ms Ceraudo said she had addressed objectors' concerns by shrinking the footprint of the event to little more than a third of the green and enforcing strict noise limits.

She said performances would be inside marquees and specialist equipment would be used to limit noise, while a security team would keep people safe.

The event has capacity for up to 4,999 people a day. It would end by 9pm on June 25 and 26, and 7pm on June 27.

Ms Ceraudo added: "It's very much a family-friendly festival… it's at the forefront of the design of the event strategy."

Richmond's licensing committee will publish its decision on the plans in the coming days.

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