Foo Fighters draw huge noise complaints at Belfast festival ahead of Reading and Leeds

Organisers of a festival in Belfast found themselves embroiled in a spat with neighbours last night (August 21) over noise complaints following Foo Fighters' headline set.

The performance on the first day of the Tennent's Vital festival, drew complaints from residents up to four miles away, reports BBC News.

Businesswoman Grainne McGarvey said: "I pretty much heard every ooh and ah and beat of the drum," while Eileen Fee who lives about a mile away from the concert venue in Osborne Park, said it was so loud her "windows shook".

She added:

I just thought I was at the concert, that's how loud it was. It was really impossible to do anything else at home.

Local councillor Claire Hanna said she received a number of calls over the noise. She said: "It was exceptionally loud. I welcome that we have concerts of this level but we do have to balance it with the right of people to enjoy a quiet night at home. Most residents understand that people want to enjoy a night out but a second night at the same level might provoke a few more calls."

The issue of volume levels at festivals has taken centre stage in recent weeks, after the sound at this summer's shows in London's Hyde Park were deemed too quiet by many. For a full investigation, check the new issue of NME, which is on UK newsstands now (August 22) or available digitally.

The Stone Roses will headline the festival tonight (August 22). Other acts on the bill include Florence And The Machine and Maverick Sabre.

Foo Fighters meanwhile will headline this weekend's Reading And Leeds Festivals.