Cavendish Beach festival changes 'a significant improvement' for residents

Changes made by organizers of the Cavendish Beach Music Festival to move 100,000 concertgoers smoothly through the site over the weekend are getting good reviews.

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Just seven years after its inaugural event, CBMF has become a major presence on the country music circuit, but that's caused some issues for people who live in the tiny community.

Resort municipality chair Matthew Jelley told CBC News logistical changes this year made for a much better atmosphere.

"This year saw a significant number of changes to the site and to the festival," said Jelley.

"Based on my observations over the four days that there were events on the site, there was a significant improvement and that's both a credit to the changes but also to the festivalgoers."

Jelley said he had very few complaints from business owners or residents compared to previous years.

RCMP pleased

Changes included new traffic directions to clear the site more quickly after the show, and expanding ticketing options to get people on site faster.

The RCMP also said there was a marked improvement this year.

Sgt. Leanne Butler said the traffic plan and help from the community and organizers paid off.

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