Yesterday I called the Horniman and someone called me back a couple of hours later and was happy to talk through their plans.

My understanding is that they recognise their license is out of date/ out of kilter with what they do (now) and they want to get one overarching license to meet their needs.

1) Their current licensing is haphazard, so one of the things they are looking to do is streamline/ synchronise the hours - currently parts of their license run 12-4pm, parts 2-5.

2) They do want to extend their license, currently weekend only so that they can sell in the cafe and also at evening events.

3) For larger events they want cover so that for the 1-2 events they hold every year, they do not breach their license - and this is where the 15,000 comes in.

The bandings (every 5,000) is clearly the licensing authorities banding, not theirs. Nowhere in my conversation did I get the impression that there was any desire to hold huge events - but they do want a license that will hold and they don't want to be in breach by having 10,000 people (banding below is 9,999). The focus is on what they do now - family events - very occasionally in the 5-10,000 attendee range. In addition, for any event over 5,000 expected, they will clear in advance with advisory groups and agree a management plan.

A repeat of the 2009 Jerk Off (I may have got the name wrong there..) is not planned.

Number 3 is not their major concern, but clearly is part of their overall license application. They are working through the application with the authorities and getting advise from Lewisham.

On a personal level, I am strongly supportive of their application and urge anyone with concerns to talk to the Horniman.