The Evans family, owners of Beck Evans Farm in Sidcup, have publicly responded to criticism and community concerns about their venue’s past events, particularly in relation to antisocial behaviour during large gatherings. The family feel "unfairly targeted" by accusations, including from a Bexley councillor who labelled them "wholly untrustworthy," and contend they have been making genuine efforts to improve their reputation and foster better relations with local residents.

Earlier this year, Beck Evans Farm faced significant opposition when applying for a licence to hold a music festival, Becksfest. Neighbours voiced fears about “utter lawlessness and debauchery” stemming from previous events, citing incidents such as public urination, drug use, and confrontational behaviour. The council’s Environmental Health and Licensing departments also objected to the application, prompting the Evans family to postpone the originally planned July festival and to revise their event proposals to address concerns.

The rescheduled Becksfest took place on 20 September 2025 as a family-focused event. According to the Evans family, the festival was a success with no reported antisocial problems, marked instead by a positive atmosphere with families enjoying music, food stalls, a children’s fun fair, and tribute acts. Nicola Evans emphasised the day’s peaceful nature, saying, “Everyone came together and enjoyed themselves... It was a family day, all families coming together to listen to music.” Becksfest is part of the farm’s broader effort to provide community-oriented activities in a family-friendly environment. The festival’s programming and approach reflect the farm’s stated goal of shaping a local venue that supports families, children, and charitable causes, including events for SEN children and an upcoming armed forces day.

To address community concerns and rebuild trust, the farm hired a new manager and engaged in dialogue with groups including the North Cray Residents Association. Although mediation talks with some opposing residents have not yet materialised, the Evans family reports efforts to involve the police and council in fostering cooperation. Nicola Evans stated that since July, the venue has not received any noise complaints nor visits from Environmental Health officers, indicating progress in operational standards.

However, political tensions remain. Cllr Kurtis Christoforides, who opposed the festival licence, notably described the farm as the “single largest consumer of council enforcement resources” and had sharply criticised the family’s trustworthiness. Nicola Evans expressed bafflement over this strong denunciation, noting no direct dialogue had occurred with the councillor and speculated that negative stereotypes around her family’s car dealing business—which they have operated since 1970—might underlie some of the criticism.

Local support offers a contrasting perspective. Cllr James Hunt has acknowledged the Evans family’s hard work and community engagement, describing Becksfest as a “brilliant community day” and praising the farm’s unique offering—combining a soft play area, restaurant, bar, lavender fields, and event spaces that employ around 100 members of the local workforce. He highlighted the importance of such venues in providing positive social spaces in the borough.

Beyond Becksfest, Beck Evans Farm hosts a range of seasonal events aimed at families and community participation, such as an eco-conscious Silent Fireworks Display and a Pumpkin Picking and Festival, reflecting its ongoing role as a local hub for entertainment. The farm’s facilities include a deli, restaurant, soft play, and a farm shop, all contributing to its community-focused ethos, despite some setbacks like a refused planning application for an outdoor play area.

While the Evans family strives to reposition Beck Evans Farm as a positive community asset, the lingering tensions between the venue and some parts of the local community underscore the challenges of balancing event-hosting with neighbourhood concerns. The path ahead appears to hinge on continued engagement and building trust to overcome the scars of past controversies.

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Source: Noah Wire Services