PLANS for a privately-run festival for up to 5,000 revellers in Gloucester Park have been revealed.

Gary Roberts, from Great Knightleys, Basildon, is applying to Basildon Council for a licence to put on the Ndangered Festival over two days in August.

If approved, he says the event would include live bands, including an unnamed “well-known” headline act.

The event aims to raise awareness of endangered wildlife, fair trade products and local produce.

Mr Roberts was unavailable for comment, but in a statement with the application he said: “The new festival for Basildon is bourne out of the organisers’ real enthusiasm for live music coupled with an interest in wildlife, endangered species and global habitat.

“It therefore seems right to the organisers to create an event in Basildon that will entertain local music fans, engage and work with local community groups and schools, but also provide a non-political platform for wildlife charities to raise awareness of the plight of certain animal species and global habitat issues.”

According to the application, there would be a main stage in the same area as July’s free Basildon Festival run by the council.

Tickets would be sold for the event on the weekend of August 12 and 13, with unconfirmed prices.

There would also be a bar marquee with DJ stage, funfair, and food stalls.

Mr Roberts also wants a puppet theatre and performances by local drama groups, charity stalls, bouncy castles, childrens’ entertainment and a green zone raising awareness about environmental issues. Bands would perform each evening from 6pm to 11pm with other activities on from 11am.

Any representations about the event must be received by the council by Monday, January 17. Call licensing officer Roy Robinson on 01268 294676.