ZimFest will not stage its 2027 festival at Delapré Abbey following widespread complaints from local residents.
The decision follows serious concerns about traffic, parking and alleged antisocial behaviour during this year’s event.
Councillor Julie Davenport confirmed the venue change through a post on Facebook.
Davenport represents Far Cotton, Delapré and Briar Hill on West Northamptonshire Council.
Around 11,000 people attended the Zimbabwean music festival on 25 July.
However, the event created major disruption in nearby residential areas.
Several motorists ignored the organisers’ park-and-ride arrangements and searched for street parking instead.
As a result, some roads became heavily congested around Far Cotton.
Some vehicles reportedly blocked driveways or remained in unsafe positions.
One affected household was caring for a young boy receiving palliative care.
Residents raise concerns over behaviour and traffic
Davenport said residents reported several incidents during the festival.
Those complaints included persistent horn sounding, shouting, verbal abuse and public urination.
She also reported an allegation involving someone defecating in a resident’s front garden.
Meanwhile, a video circulating online showed revellers gathering at a nearby petrol station.
The group reportedly played loud music while dancing and filming themselves.
Mobile phones are generally restricted around fuel pumps because they can create distractions.
They also lack certification for potentially explosive environments found around fuel dispensing equipment.
West Northamptonshire Council described the reported behaviour as “disappointing and unacceptable”.
However, officials also acknowledged that the festival itself remained well managed.
They said most attendees behaved appropriately while inside the Delapré Abbey grounds.
Instead, authorities identified the surrounding areas as the main source of disruption.
Davenport nevertheless described the event’s organisation as an “unmitigated failure” for local residents.
She called for a review of measures designed to protect nearby communities during future events.
ZimFest organisers later apologised to Far Cotton residents and the wider Northampton community.
They said their preparations included prepaid venue parking and a dedicated park-and-ride service.
The plan also offered alternative town-centre parking and additional stewards.
Organisers blamed much of the disruption on visitors who arrived without parking arrangements.
Those motorists reportedly attempted to park as close to the festival as possible.
The latest decision does not cancel ZimFest.
Instead, organisers must now identify another location for the 2027 edition.
Delapré Abbey also said it would continue working with the council, promoters and residents.
The aim will be to strengthen event management and reduce disruption around future festivals.
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