PLANS for a music festival in west Wirral are under threat from a court challenge.

The two-day Sunset At Thor’s Rock was given a licence to take place in Thurstaston, on the Dee coast, by Wirral Council last month.

The licensing committee gave the green light for the Bank Holiday weekend festival, but attached a long list of conditions after some objections from residents and councillors.

They included music being confined to four marquees and keeping parking 240m away from nesting barn owls.

Up to 7,500 tickets are due to go on sale next month – but an appeal against the decision has now been lodged at Wirral magistrates court.

A hearing is due to take place on February 2.

Heswall businessman Andrew Carr, the festival’s co-organiser, said he was “completely confident” the festival would be a success. He said he planned put tickets – which cost £72 per person – on sale on February 1.

Currently, festival-goers will be able to camp on the night of Friday, May 27, with live music from 1pm-12am on May 28 and campers staying until Sunday afternoon.

West Kirby and Thurstaston councillor Jeff Green said he was “astounded” at the decision to allow the event.

He added: “I am really disappointed this licensing panel thought so little of residents that they decided to impose this event on them.”