A BAN on festival goers taking alcohol to Darwen Live has been extended again this year.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council first took the decision in 2008 for health and safety reasons and to create a safer environment in a bid to encourage families back to the festival.

Steve Rigby, director of culture, leisure and sport, said: “As in the past two years, members of the public are not permitted to bring alcohol (or glass bottles and containers) into the festival site.

“The area includes the fenced-off Darwen Market Square, plus the Darwen Library Theatre.

“There will be a beer tent inside the cordoned-off festival site. Alcohol sales will be controlled and monitored by the council.”

When it was first announced, the ban prompted a furious reaction from festival goers who set up a Facebook campaign to have it overturned.