Panaji (Goa): A Goan music company has applied with the Tourism Department to host electronic dance music (EDM) festival at Candolim in December. The proposal comes four months after an Ahmedabad businessman approached the government to host a mega festival at Vagator in the very same month.
An official, close to the government confirmed they are in receipt of the two applications, one of which intends to hold the festival on a smaller scale.
“Yes, State Level Permission Committee (SLPC) has received the proposals and these are under consideration,” he said.
In May, the Department of Tourism received proposal from M/s Sudarshan Entertainment Pvt Ltd (Limited Liability Partnership), Ahmedabad to hold “Time Out 72 Music Festival” from December 28 to 29, 2017 at Vagator. It is learnt the festival has been granted in-principle approval, but for a final nod, the SLPC under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary (Tourism) has been holding a series of meetings with the government agencies on the panel. Director Argha Chatterjee proposed the event in an area of 2.50 lakh sq mtrs owned by Anjuna Communidade with an area of 30,000 sq mtrs proposed for parking of around 750 cars.
“Goa welcomes a brand new, multi-genre festival that will take place at Vagator in North Goa. Time Out 72 Music Fest is the latest inclusion to the music culture of Goa, and comes at a time when the region needed much reviving after being deprived of a vital part of the culture and festive spirit,” reads their website while one of the promoters stated, “There is no denying that Goa has been a hot bed for the music scene of India since the very beginning of time and it was our first priority to secure the venue. We are very grateful to the authorities for their co-operation in the matter. We will ensure all statutory requirements are met with in the course of time.”
A Goa-based music company has now decided to give it a beginning and has proposed to hold the event of 4,000 capacity at Candolim. Though the details were not immediately available, sources said, the company is based in Pernem. “It has to comply with several norms which will be conveyed only after which the SPC will hold another meeting to decide granting it the permission,” he said.
The government could find these EDMs a major positive development considering that upset organsiers of Sunburn and Supersonic shifted their venues to Pune last year, and have not made any proposal to return to Goa. Both organizers owe the government over Rs 6 crores.
