Festival alcohol policy remains

The event will take place in Coventry's Memorial Park in July

A ban on people bringing their own alcohol to Coventry's Godiva Festival will not be lifted despite thousands opposing it, organisers have said.

About 4,000 people have backed a campaign against the new rule being launched on website Facebook.

People will only be able to buy alcohol in beer tents as part of the approach to try and curb unruly behaviour at the music festival next month.

Organisers CV One said the ban was among safety measures at the event.

'Large queues'

CV One's Mick Emmerson, who is in charge of the festival, said it was "unfortunate" that so many are not happy, but organisers will not be changing their minds on the issue.

He said: "We're a bit disappointed festival goers have seen fit to protest against what we consider to be safety measures that we've had to put in place to make the festival peaceful and a family-friendly environment."

The open air stage will be surrounded by a fence so the ban can be enforced.

One campaigner Tom Pritchard said: "A fence is only going to cause a situation such as a lot of people trying to get in drinking a lot before they go in.

"Large queues (could be) appearing because there will be people who turn up with alcohol regardless, because they don't believe the ban is there."

The event will take place at Coventry's Memorial Park between 4 and 6 July.