Noise exemption denial leads to cancellation of music festival in Cambridge

The Rising Tide Music & Arts Festival, which was in the midst of preparing for an upcoming event in Cambridge this July, has officially announced its cancellation after councillors denied its noise exemption application.

The event was pegged for July 5, working to bring electronic dance music to the city. Organizers made the announcement of the closure on social media, saying they were “devastated” by the decision.

“Despite our best efforts, the city council has denied our noise exemption with no opportunity to appeal the decision,” said organizers in a post. “We are devastated. So much passion, planning, and community support have gone into bringing this event to life, and we know many of you were as excited as we were to come together in celebration this summer.”

Councillors were quick to voice their concerns and issues with the event, particularly around the location of the venue.

It was set to be held in the city’s Gaslight District, with Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett pointing to the fact that it would be located right next to a senior’s home, adding that the extra noise would carry across the river to nearby neighbourhoods.

Other councillors stated that the expected hours of the concert, set to have run from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., with an after-party scheduled until 2 a.m., would open the door to too many potential complaints.

“I just really have trouble with this one going until 2 a.m.,” said Councillor Sheri Roberts. “I think that it’s maybe not the right location to have an event that goes until that time, being right in the middle of the residential neighbourhood.”

Cambridge councillors ultimately voted to deny the application, coming to a unanimous decision in the process.

“To everyone who bought tickets, spread the word, shared kind words, or supported us in any way, thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” stated Rising Tide organizers. “Your enthusiasm and encouragement have meant the world to us. We’re deeply sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience this may cause.”

They mentioned that anyone who had already purchased tickets to the event would see full refunds.

Even though it marks the end of the music festival in Cambridge, it’s not the end, with Rising Tide Presents: Cloverdale set to hit Waterloo on June 13.

According to its website, it’ll be a “night of pure energy, heavy grooves, and unforgettable moments at one of Waterloo’s most intimate dancefloors.” It lists Cloverdale, Ashton Adams, and The Disco GodFathers, a local group from Waterloo, as the main headliners for the event.

Tickets are currently on sale through the Riding Tide events page, with the event set to be held at Waterloo’s Room 47 on Friday, June 13 at 10:00 p.m.

“Though this is a setback, we believe in the spirit of Rising Tide, the power of community, and the necessity of global support. This isn’t the end, it’s a pause. We will rise again, together.”