It wanted, seemingly, an end to 'noise'. It wanted the government to crack down. It wanted peace. In short it wanted, like a headteacher at exam time… SILENCE! This is not a letter about this particular event – smashing though it was for so many reasons – it's about something else.
Society is diseased not by noise, but by busybodies thinking they have the right to stop it. They don't.
They have the right, as we all do, to a reasonable amount of night-time peace and quiet. If only they knew how tough this country and this town's licensing regulations are. Noise of some sort, expression, fun, is very nearly mummified in red tape.
The very letters of the law, and perhaps some which aren't actually there, are applied in Eastbourne to those pushing for bespoke or new events.
Put very simply and not too loudly, to legitimately perform, to stage, to celebrate and to have fun with other people – even just for two and a half days – requires religious dedication and still often fails.
Police, Fire, Health and Safety, Licensing… the cotton wool of our culture can be turned to glue at the whim of some senior (or well-connected) soul should they see fit, quicker than the flick of an amp switch.
What is far less protected is the right of expression, the right of dance, the right of song and the right of mutual enjoyment of these things…
It's hindered every inch of the way, statutorily vilified and victimised – lumped clumsily into the same convenient group as antisocial behaviour and probably graffiti – although not, interestingly, as church bells, fireworks and fighter jet engines.
However, to many, joining friends to watch an artist perform is life affirming – and is a right which we must fight to protect if our culture is not to become diluted and unattached from its people.
Life is already restricted. Money is stupidly tight. What can we do? There is only so much time for fornication. Sometimes you need to forget, to laugh and to clap your hands together involuntarily – sometimes you need to see someone perform, or do it yourself, to remind yourself of this unique human quality. Sometimes a little noise is a very good thing.
Adam McNaught-Davis, Upwick Road, Eastbourne

I was saddened to read the anonymous letter in last week's issue complaining about the music at The Counting House. This followed an anonymous note in similar vein arriving on my doormat by 9am on the Saturday morning of the weekend's music event.
The letter all local residents received a few days prior to the event was clear and set down all the steps the pub had taken to ensure they complied with licensing and other laws/regulations.
The music on the Friday night was not to my taste, but it stopped at the agreed time, and there was no rowdiness as people left. Saturday and Sunday were also fine.
I am (technically) a pensioner, with perfect hearing, who once lived opposite a pub that had more 'private parties with karaoke' after hours than I've had hot dinners. So I'm glad if the young(er) people at the Counting House had a good time, and am sad that the responsible actions of the manager have met with such negativity.
Lynda Scott-Williams, New Upperton Road, Eastbourne

As one of the so called younger residents of Eastbourne (39) I would like to congratulate The Counting House for providing one of the best weekends this town has witnessed for a long, long time.
We, as a town, are constantly in the shadow of our bigger brother, Brighton. The Pleisure Music Festival from July 11-13 went a long way to show that our town, when allowed, can compete with anything Brighton has to offer.
Local musical talent was given the chance to perform in front of a crowd, made up of young and old alike, and they certainly didn't disappoint any of them. The entire weekend passed without any major incidents, which is a credit to the people who spent months organising it. Special mention must go to Emma Loch, the manageress of The Counting House. As a parent I cannot thank her enough for giving my 15-year-old son and four of his best friends (Spaniels Ears) the opportunity to perform in front of their first live audience. The experience will benefit all of them in future years. All I ask is that everyone who attended this outstanding event should all voice their support, and hopefully it will become a regular event on the Eastbourne music scene.
Chris and Kerry Holden, Eastbourne. (kingkeano@aol.com)

I had a fantastic time at The Counting House festival. It is brilliant to finally have our own music festival, welcomed by the local community as a chance for people to get together and enjoy themselves.
The venue was a beautiful setting, the mix of music was great, a real variety - so there was something for everyone. People of all ages from toddlers to teenagers and senior citizens came to join the fun. There was a really friendly and intimate atmosphere. I hope that this will be the first of many more.
Diana Plummer, Downs Avenue, Eastbourne