The Iceberg Alley music festival at Quidi Vidi is folding up its tent and heading out of town after being unable to resolve a dispute with the City of St. John’s.
City council says there have been too many complaints from nearby residents to ignore.
John Steele pitched the big tent in the capital city three years ago, bringing in bands for the festival. The indoor venue provided shelter from the elements and capacity for about 2,500 concert-goers. However, Steele says he can no longer wait for the City of St. John’s to make decisions.
There was some opposition about the original location along the shores of Quidi Vidi lake, but organizers agreed to an 11 p.m. cutoff for the music. It turned out to be a huge success and in 2018 St. John’s awarded Iceberg Alley the Event of the Year Tourism Award.
Steele wants a three-year deal, something in which St. John’s did not appear to be in favour.
Councillor Hope Jamieson says a lot of seniors and families live in the area, and the festival takes place over eleven nights during the school year. She says that is a long period of time, and there there is an impact to the community that has to be addressed.
Sources tell VOCM News that the chosen venue is the Smallwood Complex near where the old area was located. Mount Pearl City Council will vote on the proposal at next Tuesday’s regular meeting.
