ORGANISERS of public events in the Malvern Hills area have been left reeling at the possibiity of having to pay a crippling licence fee.

The threat is contained in the 2003 Licensing Act, which comes into force later this year.

Proposals from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, which are currently under consultation, suggest that all "exceptionally large events" pay a flat fee to the local licensing authority.

It is not yet clear what type of events will be included but it looks likely that those currently requiring a public entertainment licence would be liable -- that includes anything with live music, theatrical performance, dancing or alcohol.

A tariff currently being considered would see a charge of £5,000 on events that attract between 6,000 and 9,999 people and up to £50,000 for those attended by 75,000 or more.

Organisers say this would have a crippling effect on events such as the Upton Blues Festival and Bromyard Gala.

Liz Huffer, chairman of Bromyard Gala, said they would almost certainly have to put entry prices up.

She said: "It's just unbelievable that they can start it at such a high amount. We're horrified.

"£5,000 is a lot of money to find when you're a voluntary group and you're not backed by anyone.

"Prices are rising all the time and you struggle to keep expenses to a minimum and then they just slap this on to you. I think it's very unfair."

Rachel Willoughby, of Upton Blues Festival, said if the proposals went ahead, the free event would be difficult to sustain. She said the budget for the whole festival, including the cost of the bands, was about £5,000.

Nick Vincent, new executive director of the Three Counties Showground, said it was not good news for the venue.

"If the new proposals are passed, then both the shows and the commercial lettings business here at Malvern will inevitably feel the impact.

"The Association of Shows and Agricultural Associations (ASAO) is meeting with the department this week and will be working closely with them to put forward an industry approach."