Bexley Council has responded after proposals for the Dream Valley event in Danson Park were rejected despite the Mayor's hopes that it will help to show "how great Bexley is".

Bexley Council decided not to continue with discussions about the proposal for the large-scale music event in Danson Park on May 28 and May 29.

It says it had been considering the impact of the proposal for the event, but had not signed a contract, agreed the hire of the park or granted a licence for it to take place.

However, in Mayor of Bexley Cllr James Hunt's New Year message, he told the borough "let's make 2022 the best it can be", and mentioned Bexley Festival, Dream Valley in Danson Park, and the Queen's Jubilee.

He followed his mention of the events by saying "let's show how great Bexley is".

Bexley Council has since said that it, and the Mayor, "supports and promotes any events in Bexley that bring benefit or support to our community, from MacMillan coffee mornings to the Danson Fireworks".

However, decisions on the type of event as Dream Valley is "are taken on merit after reviewing an application".

The Council also said it understands that Dream Valley is now taking place at a new location.

It's full statement in response to questioning over its decision in light of the Mayor's tweet said: "The Council - which of course includes the Mayor - supports and promotes any events in Bexley that bring benefit or support to our community, from MacMillan coffee mornings to the Danson Fireworks.

"We have an amazing Borough with plenty of opportunity and space for great attractions and activities.

"Please see the statement published on our website.

"Decisions on this type of event are taken on merit after reviewing an application.

"We understand that Dream Valley is now taking place at a new location."

The Council's full statement announcing the end of the discussions about the event said: "Bexley has decided not to continue with discussions about the proposal for a large-scale music event in Danson Park on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May. 

"It had been considering the impact of the proposal for the ‘Dream Valley’ event, but had not signed a contract, agreed the hire of the park or granted a licence for it to take place. 

"The Council asked the event promoter not to advertise the event or sell tickets until it had assessed its impact and finalised the formal legal agreements.

"They chose not to do this and did so at their own risk. 

"The website for the proposed event explains that it was subject to contract.

"The Council has decided that it does not want to agree that contract. 

"The event would have been the first music event of its kind and scale in the popular park, with up to 25,000 people expected to attend.

"While the Council is keen to explore the potential for events that bring life to Bexley’s green spaces, it would want to consult residents and give them the chance to influence the type of new events that take place."

Cllr James Hunt whas been approached for further comment.

His full tweet, on December 31, said: "A #NewYear message from @MayorOfBexley

"As we go forward let's make 2022 the best it can be, from @BexleyFestival and @Dreamvalleyuk in Danson Park to Her Majesty's @RoyalFamily Jubilee - let's show how great @LBofBexley is.

"Stay Safe and #HappyNewYear."

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.