MUSIC fans are celebrating following news that Culture and Leisure is now allowing Guernsey Live to take place on the Victoria Avenue playing fields. ‘It is great news,’ said Gemma Le Maitre, 19, who works at Offshore Electronics. ‘I don’t know if it has been left too late to bring really good bands over as they did in Jersey last year. I heard that was awesome.

‘I would have gone to Jersey this year if Guernsey Live had not gone ahead. I have a lot of friends who will go.

‘The young people need it and it will attract great publicity. I go to see live music a lot.’

She said she was warming up for the main event already.

‘I’m going to The Doghouse to see the Killers tribute band tonight,’ she said.

Grammar School sixth-former James Pascoe, 17, said that it was fantastic news to hear the event was happening.

‘I don’t really mind where it is held,’ he said. ‘Jersey Live seems to be a success – a few of my friends went last year – and I’m sure the Guernsey event will be too.’

Mr Pascoe and friends Sam Ogier and Ellie Gallienne, both 17, said they were not holding out for any bands in particular to play at the festival and were looking forward to discovering up-and-coming ones.

The department confirmed on Thursday that following further talks with the event organisers, the festival will go ahead on 3 and 4 May.

It had been in jeopardy when Culture and Leisure refused to grant permission for the venue’s use in the interest of cricketers, but they said they would be happy provided measures were taken to protect the pitch.