Residents of Box, a village near Corsham, have expressed frustration towards Wiltshire Council after being instructed to take down bunting and posters promoting the beloved annual Box Revels festival.
Box Revels, a longstanding tradition held over the second May bank holiday weekend, offers a weekend of community activities including a banquet, cricket match, live music, and a family fete with stalls, magic shows, a dog show, and tug-of-war. Volunteers had eagerly decorated the village with colorful bunting in anticipation.
“The bunting fairies have been busy at work overnight!” announced the Box Revels team on Facebook. “That can mean only one thing… It’s nearly Revels weekend—we can’t wait to see you there!”
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However, shortly after the decorations were put up, Wiltshire Council demanded their removal, citing safety regulations. The organisers were warned they could face fines of £500 per violation if they did not comply, a directive that has upset many in the community.
“The signage and bunting will have to be removed due to legislation the council is enforcing,” the organisers explained. They expressed deep disappointment, highlighting the effort volunteers put into decorating and warning that the lack of visible advertising might lead some to mistakenly assume the event was cancelled.
Local residents voiced their dismay on social media. Comments ranged from sarcastic critiques of council spending to expressions of sadness at the loss of village charm. One resident labeled the council as “fun sponges,” while Nicola Davis of Corsham Creative Market questioned how local events are meant to promote themselves under such restrictions.
Even Phil Chamberlain, the village’s Wiltshire Council councillor, stepped in to offer assistance. Additionally, some local homeowners and businesses have volunteered to display signs on private property, which is not subject to the same rules.
Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and street scene, Cllr Martin Smith, clarified the rationale behind the ruling. He explained that items placed on or over the road, such as bunting and banners, can pose hazards or cause obstructions for road users, and it is the council’s responsibility to ensure public safety.
He advised that any community wishing to display advertising on council land must first obtain permission from the local highways team. In this case, the Box Revels organisers had installed decorations on public highways without consent, violating the Town and Country (Control of Advertisement) Regulations 2007.
The council has since been working with the organisers to help secure the necessary permissions and support the event’s success.
Despite these challenges, Box Revels will go ahead as planned from May 24 to 26, promising the usual festivities and community spirit that residents cherish.