This year's Airfusion Music Festival in Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot, attracted thousands of fans, despite objections to the event.

Organiser Platform 4 Performance, a registered charity, claimed that 8,500 watched bands such as Dreadzone, Morris Brothers Band, Too Hot, The Crackers and Livin In A Valve State during the three days. There were 21 formal objections to the festival's premises licence, but the event went without a hitch, according to organisers.

'It went brilliantly,' said Matt Ward, entertainments manager of Airfusion. 'I think we might have had a couple of complaints, but even a couple from the committee who were protesting about the festival came up and said that it had gone well and smoothly.

'We also had amazing weather, which helped pull in people. The group Dreadzone also pulled in loads of people.' Because of objections, the organisers were told by Teignbridge Council Environmental Health Department that the sound levels could not exceed 65 decibels. But that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the revellers.

'The sound levels were low this year, but we had to keep things legal and not go above 65 decibels,' said Mr Ward. 'Having sound levels like this was a bit of a nightmare, but once the crowd got into the music and the atmosphere, it was fine.' businesses and residents were still unhappy about sound coming from the festival and the general disruption it causes.

Adrian Kirby, deputy co-ordinator of Courtenay Park and Devon Square Neighbourhood Watch, said he was not an 'old fogey' and backed the aims of the festival, but said Courtenay Park was the wrong venue. 'We know the event is marshalled inside, but it's what goes on outside the perimeter fence that is the main problem. This year I have to say the police presence was good and I have written to Inspector Andy Dower to congratulate them.'

He also disputed the attendance figures. 'These are a joke. I live right near the festival and it wasn't hard to count how many people were there,' he said. 'I don't mind them doubling their figures or even trebling them, but what's their motive?

'We will be getting in touch with the charity commission to get the official gate figures.' John Mitchell, who runs a business near Courtenay Park, said he had to shut early because of the noise on Friday. He said he was not opposed to the festival, just the venue.

'There were the same disturbances as last year. 'What amazed me was the council let them test their sound levels on Friday and not the night before. I was receiving calls from customers and I couldn't hear them.

'I closed the office and ended up going home. you just can't work when there is so much noise. 'I have always been in favour of the event, but not in Courtenay Park.' Mr Mitchell said that Forde House or Newton Abbot Racecourse would be more appropriate venues.

Organisers have said that they may well look for another venue to hold the music event. 'We'll definitely do it again next year,' said Mr Ward. 'I personally think Forde House would be suitable, but we will be looking at lots of different venues for next year. 'If anyone has a large piece of land that would be suitable we'd really like to hear from them.'