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Inside Gulf's luxury car culture: Why Bentleys and Lamborghinis are bigger than real estate
Inside Gulf's luxury car culture: Why Bentleys and Lamborghinis are bigger than real estate

Time of India

time15 hours ago

  • Automotive
  • Time of India

Inside Gulf's luxury car culture: Why Bentleys and Lamborghinis are bigger than real estate

The GCC's fascination with luxury cars continues to thrive, with supercars often preferred over real estate investments/Image: X TL;DR: The Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) region boasts one of the highest concentrations of supercars per capita globally, particularly in the UAE , Saudi Arabia , and Qatar. Cultural prestige, tax-free wealth, and expansive roads have fueled a luxury car obsession that often overshadows real estate as a status symbol. With rising disposable incomes and state-driven diversification plans like Saudi Vision 2030, luxury automobile demand is forecast to grow further. The region's car culture is not just about ownership, it spans auctions, bespoke modifications, exclusive clubs, and supercar parades. The Gulf's Unrivalled Obsession With Supercars It's a familiar sight in Gulf cities: convoys of Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris cruising down wide boulevards, especially in Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh. In a region where oil wealth, zero income tax, and a young, affluent population converge, luxury cars have become more than just modes of transport, they are symbols of power, prestige, and personal identity. According to Horizon Grand View Research, a compound annual growth rate of 7.9% is expected of Middle East & Africa luxury car market from 2025 to 2030. Why Cars Over Real Estate? In many parts of the world, real estate signifies wealth and stability. But in the GCC, especially among the youth and new millionaires, supercars are often preferred over property investments. Several factors explain this cultural inclination: Cultural Prestige and Social Media Influence Social media has amplified car culture. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are flooded with videos of supercar meetups in Dubai or impromptu races in the deserts outside Riyadh. For many Gulf nationals, a luxury car is a more immediate, shareable display of success than a property. The UAE's influencers, such as Rashed Belhasa (Money Kicks), are known globally for showcasing their exotic car collections, which include limited edition Ferraris and Lamborghinis. This trend has inspired a new generation to view supercars as social capital. Tax-Free Luxury Unlike countries with hefty import duties or luxury taxes, GCC nations particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar offer tax-free environments, making luxury cars more accessible to the wealthy. Road Infrastructure The GCC boasts some of the world's best roads and highways, designed to accommodate high-speed driving. The UAE's Sheikh Zayed Road, Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Road, and Qatar's Lusail Expressway are all conducive to luxury car performance. Car as a Cultural Artifact Historically, Arabs have a deep connection with automobiles, seen as an extension of the nomadic Bedouin heritage where horses and camels were symbols of pride and wealth. Regional Examples of Extravagance Dubai, UAE Dubai is arguably the supercar capital of the world. The city hosts the Dubai International Motor Show, showcasing the latest from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. The Dubai Police famously owns a fleet of supercars, including the Bugatti Veyron, Aston Martin One-77, and Lamborghini Aventador, not merely for speed enforcement but to bolster the city's image of luxury. Saudi Arabia With Saudi Arabia opening up under Vision 2030, there has been a sharp rise in luxury car imports. In 2023, Al Ghassan Motors reported a noticeable spike in demand for Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, driven by both traditional elites and newly empowered entrepreneurs. Riyadh hosts International Luxury Motor Show, a dedicated event for elite automotive brands. Qatar Qatar, with its high per capita income, boasts one of the most supercar-dense populations. Doha's Pearl-Qatar island frequently hosts supercar gatherings, and Qatar has announced infrastructure tailored to luxury and performance vehicles in preparation for the 2030 Asian Games. The Auction and Collector Scene Luxury car auctions are also flourishing in the GCC. For instance, RM Sotheby's regularly features Gulf collectors in its global events, with some rare models fetching prices in millions. Additionally, bespoke car customisation houses like Mansory and Brabus have established a solid customer base in the region, offering gold-plated trims, diamond-studded interiors, and unique body kits. Governmental Support for Automotive Enthusiasm Saudi Arabia is keen on transforming its auto enthusiasm into a formalised industry. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah and the upcoming Formula 1 track in Qiddiya underline the government's recognition of motor culture as part of its economic diversification efforts. Similarly, the UAE's efforts with Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit and annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix draw global attention. Environmental Challenges and Electric Supercars While the Gulf's car culture thrives, there's an emerging consciousness about environmental impacts. Manufacturers like Tesla, Porsche (Taycan), and Lucid Motors are now tapping into the region's elite market, offering electric supercars. In 2024, Lucid Motors began deliveries in Saudi Arabia, where it also plans to establish a manufacturing plant in King Abdullah Economic City, aimed at producing up to 150,000 vehicles per year. The Future of GCC's Car Culture EV Adaptation: As sustainability takes center stage globally, the Gulf's supercar scene is expected to evolve to include more electric hypercars. Motorsport Tourism: Events like Formula E in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, and new motorsport tracks are positioning the GCC as a motorsport tourism destination. FAQ Q: Which Gulf country has the most supercars? The UAE, especially Dubai, leads in supercar density, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Q: Are luxury cars cheaper in the GCC? Yes, due to zero income tax and lower import duties compared to Western countries. Q: What are the most popular brands in the Gulf? Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes AMG are among the most coveted. Q: Is the region adapting to electric luxury cars? Yes. EV adoption is rising, especially with brands like Lucid, Tesla, and Porsche entering the market.

Key ICAC witness put the rubbish out on a Sunday night. He hasn't been seen since
Key ICAC witness put the rubbish out on a Sunday night. He hasn't been seen since

Sydney Morning Herald

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • Sydney Morning Herald

Key ICAC witness put the rubbish out on a Sunday night. He hasn't been seen since

It is alleged that the Grafton company paid a total of $227,000 in cash to Helmy between 2020 and 2024, $60,000 worth of gold bullion nuggets in 2023 and cryptocurrency payments totalling about $8.97 million from 2021 to 2024. Ranken said it was alleged that Helmy, 38, engaged in a wide range of corrupt practices in exchange for benefits, which included ensuring Protection Barriers was the preferred contractor and approving the payment of falsely inflated invoices. He said the ICAC anticipated that there would be evidence that Helmy was assisted in his arrangement with Protection Barriers by two other Transport for NSW associates – Mukeshkumar Patel and David Liu – who allegedly received financial benefits. Last September, officers from ICAC, the NSW Police and NSW Crime Commission conducted raids on properties around the state. Items seized from Helmy's home included nine 100-gram gold bullion bars, five one-ounce gold bullion bars, three red bags containing 20 one-ounce gold bullion nuggets and $12,317 in cash. Ranken said evidence would show that the gold bullion seized from Helmy's home were consistent in appearance with gold bullion nuggets Chellew allegedly provided to him in 2023. In addition, the NSW Crime Commission seized $413,000 worth of cryptocurrency held by Helmy and the equivalent of $8 million in cryptocurrency in a Binance account in the name of his sister. It also seized a Maserati he purchased. The Crime Commission also seized property and assets from Chellew and his wife Meshel and their related entities worth more than $41 million, including $735,000 in cryptocurrency, a 2023 Lexus car worth about $160,000 and two 2024 Bentleys each worth about $500,000. In addition, they also seized multiple properties owned by the Chellews in NSW and Queensland worth $15 million. Under questioning at the first day of a public inquiry on Monday, Jason Chellew said he was asked by Helmy in about April or May 2020 to come to see him about getting more work, and the Transport for NSW staffer proposed 'jobs for kickbacks'. On the first occasion they met at a McDonald's in Pennant Hills in 2020 whereby Chellew said he would have brought along cash but could not recall to the inquiry the amount. Chellew said the amounts he handed to Helmy started as $10,000 or $20,000 in cash before the amount of work from Transport for NSW 'got crazy' during the COVID pandemic. He told the inquiry that, under the proposed arrangement from Helmy, the inflated rates on top of the work would be split 50:50 between them. Early on, Chellew said his concern was that if his company said 'no' to Helmy's proposal, they would not receive contracts. Chellew said he started cryptocurrency payments to Helmy from about 2021, and there was an occasion when he provided gold in 2023, adding that he often struggled to keep up the payments to Helmy because of the amount of work. The public inquiry, which is being presided over by ICAC chief commissioner John Hatzistergos, is part of an ICAC investigation known as Operation Wyvern. The hearings are expected to run for six weeks.

Key ICAC witness put the rubbish out on a Sunday night. He hasn't been seen since
Key ICAC witness put the rubbish out on a Sunday night. He hasn't been seen since

The Age

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • The Age

Key ICAC witness put the rubbish out on a Sunday night. He hasn't been seen since

It is alleged that the Grafton company paid a total of $227,000 in cash to Helmy between 2020 and 2024, $60,000 worth of gold bullion nuggets in 2023 and cryptocurrency payments totalling about $8.97 million from 2021 to 2024. Ranken said it was alleged that Helmy, 38, engaged in a wide range of corrupt practices in exchange for benefits, which included ensuring Protection Barriers was the preferred contractor and approving the payment of falsely inflated invoices. He said the ICAC anticipated that there would be evidence that Helmy was assisted in his arrangement with Protection Barriers by two other Transport for NSW associates – Mukeshkumar Patel and David Liu – who allegedly received financial benefits. Last September, officers from ICAC, the NSW Police and NSW Crime Commission conducted raids on properties around the state. Items seized from Helmy's home included nine 100-gram gold bullion bars, five one-ounce gold bullion bars, three red bags containing 20 one-ounce gold bullion nuggets and $12,317 in cash. Ranken said evidence would show that the gold bullion seized from Helmy's home were consistent in appearance with gold bullion nuggets Chellew allegedly provided to him in 2023. In addition, the NSW Crime Commission seized $413,000 worth of cryptocurrency held by Helmy and the equivalent of $8 million in cryptocurrency in a Binance account in the name of his sister. It also seized a Maserati he purchased. The Crime Commission also seized property and assets from Chellew and his wife Meshel and their related entities worth more than $41 million, including $735,000 in cryptocurrency, a 2023 Lexus car worth about $160,000 and two 2024 Bentleys each worth about $500,000. In addition, they also seized multiple properties owned by the Chellews in NSW and Queensland worth $15 million. Under questioning at the first day of a public inquiry on Monday, Jason Chellew said he was asked by Helmy in about April or May 2020 to come to see him about getting more work, and the Transport for NSW staffer proposed 'jobs for kickbacks'. On the first occasion they met at a McDonald's in Pennant Hills in 2020 whereby Chellew said he would have brought along cash but could not recall to the inquiry the amount. Chellew said the amounts he handed to Helmy started as $10,000 or $20,000 in cash before the amount of work from Transport for NSW 'got crazy' during the COVID pandemic. He told the inquiry that, under the proposed arrangement from Helmy, the inflated rates on top of the work would be split 50:50 between them. Early on, Chellew said his concern was that if his company said 'no' to Helmy's proposal, they would not receive contracts. Chellew said he started cryptocurrency payments to Helmy from about 2021, and there was an occasion when he provided gold in 2023, adding that he often struggled to keep up the payments to Helmy because of the amount of work. The public inquiry, which is being presided over by ICAC chief commissioner John Hatzistergos, is part of an ICAC investigation known as Operation Wyvern. The hearings are expected to run for six weeks.

We live in UK's poshest seaside town but it's like Magaluf mayhem this weekend – boozy louts bonk in the sea
We live in UK's poshest seaside town but it's like Magaluf mayhem this weekend – boozy louts bonk in the sea

Scottish Sun

time6 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

We live in UK's poshest seaside town but it's like Magaluf mayhem this weekend – boozy louts bonk in the sea

Locals also complained about the stench, admitting they've been 'trying to get rid of the event for 18 years' BUCKET AND LAID We live in UK's poshest seaside town but it's like Magaluf mayhem this weekend – boozy louts bonk in the sea Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUNBURNT music lovers high on drugs stagger out of the beachfront venue gnawing on bars of soap nicked from loos en route to the snaking taxi queue, which usually descends into a mass brawl. Meanwhile inebriated men and women brazenly relieve themselves in the doorways of multi-million pound homes. 25 Crowds of 5000 revellers cram on to the beach for SandFest Credit: Sandfest 25 Swanky Sandbanks descends into chaos during the festival Credit: Sandfest 25 Jennifer Krzyzanowska was horrified to see people so intoxicated they were gnawing on soap Credit: BNPS 25 Sophia Horwood says many locals dread the event Credit: BNPS This is SandFest, held in the ultra exclusive beach resort of Sandbanks in Dorset, home to the likes of Harry and Jamie Redknapp, where the streets are lined with mega mansions worth up to £30million. Gated driveways boast gleaming Porches, Range Rovers and Bentleys, while superyachts bob on the glistening blue sea. It is famously one of the most expensive and prestigious places to live in Britain, but this weekend frustrated residents say their genteel neighbourhood resembles Magaluf, the notorious Spanish party resort known for its cheap package holidays and shocking drunken chaos. More than 10,000 people are due to descend for a series of rowdy events - first a polo party called SandPolo, followed by SandFest, a music concert described as a "boutique beach festival" where headline acts have included Idris Elba, Rudimental and Tinie Tempah. This Sunday house DJ Sonny Fodera tops the bill, alongside Katy B, Danny Howard and Saffron Stone, along with DJ sets from Elderbrook and Alex Mills. Jennifer Krzyzanowska, 25, runs Shacks By The Shore, a popular snack bar doing a brisk trade on the edge of the sandy beach, but her team are already preparing for the worst. 'It's always horrendous,' she told The Sun when we visited this week. 'People are so out of it, I've seen guys coming out of there eating bars of blue soap. 'Every year when the venue empties, big fights break out because the taxi queue is so long, and people dive into the sea to cool off. 'There's all kinds going on in the water - they're having sex in there and using it as a toilet. 'The whole thing is a health hazard, but no-one is thinking about their health when they've been drinking in the baking hot sun all day. We live in UK's 'Monte Carlo', it used to be millionaire's playground but now it's ruined by 80mph boy racers 'Another problem on a warm weekend is the beach will be absolutely rammed because the site takes up so much space. "I know some local businesses have to bring in extra security.' Jennifer's colleague Sophia Harwood, 20, added: 'It's basically just a massive all-day drinking session, it gets ugly. A lot of people don't like it.' The tiny town is often referred to as Britain's answer to Monte Carlo - with property prices soaring three times higher than the national average. But many locals feel shut out of the events, where VIP tickets go for £1,200. Heavily intoxicated people are falling into hedges, and it can take over an hour to get out of the house. Charlyn Dean Charlyn Dean, 41, has a stunning four bedroom property in a prime location which rents out at £10,000 a week during the peak summer months. But leading us through to her immaculate back garden, she points to her blighted view. 'As you can see, our garden is right behind the main stage and it gets unbelievably loud," she said. 'The whole place is packed out, heavily intoxicated people are falling into hedges, and it can take over an hour to get out of the house. 'It's frustrating to say the least.' 'It doesn't feel safe' 25 Revellers drink all day and brawl on the beach when the event ends Credit: Sandfest 25 Residents have witnessed party goers bonking in the sea Credit: Sandfest 25 Charlyn Dean and Holly Jones' garden backs on to the main stage Credit: BNPS 25 Frustrated Bill and Margaret Sharp protect their home with police cones Credit: BNPS 25 Locals say the event attracts people looking for trouble Credit: BNPS Equally frustrated by the chaos are retired couple Margaret and Bill Sharp, both 80. They are the proud owners of a charming beachfront apartment with sweeping views of Poole Harbour and the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, but have resorted to extreme measures to protect their home this year. They have invested in their own bright yellow police cones to cordon off their driveway. Margaret explained: 'If we don't put the cones out people use our driveway for a party - they hang around drinking and dancing on their way out of the festival. 'They double park and it doesn't feel safe for us - there is no way an ambulance or fire engine could get down here if there was an emergency. It's dangerous.' When we visited Sandbanks a vast swathe of the beach was cordoned off by high metal fences in preparation for the three days of festivities, squashing frustrated holiday makers closer together in the remaining space. Meanwhile the rows of highly-prized beach huts on the idyllic peninsula have their coveted sea views obliterated for two weeks by enormous marquees and rows of portaloos, which locals say can cause quite the stench. It's so depressing. When the festival is on we're just resigned to not going out, because if we do we can't get home again Chris Weedon Another issue is traffic. With only one narrow road leading on to the luxury peninsula from nearby Poole, the festivals create tailbacks for miles, and the only car park is rammed by 8am. With traffic at a standstill, ticket holders have been known to simply abandon their cars across residents' driveways and even in the middle of the roundabout. Kite surfer Chris Weedon, who lives with his wife Angela in a towering four storey house overlooking the beach, said of the event: 'It's so depressing. 'When the festival is on we're just resigned to not going out, because if we do we can't get home again. 'Late at night when the road is clear they roar down here on motorbikes, doing wheelies at 60mph. Someone is going to die.' He added: 'The litter is just dire, people dump their bottles and cans and I usually spend an hour in the morning filling three sacks of rubbish from outside my house." 25 Kite surfer Chris Weedon fills three sacks of rubbish in the aftermath of the event Credit: BNPS 25 Cops struggle to maintain order amid the chaos Credit: BNPS 25 Fleets of delivery vans block access to the beach on one of the warmest weekends Credit: BNPS 25 Highly-prized beach huts no longer have a sea view Credit: BNPS 25 Traffic is gridlocked and festival goers dump their cars at the side of the road Credit: BNPS 25 With the road at a standstill emergency vehicles have no way to get through Credit: BNPS 25 Sarah Phillips and Katie Fowler keep their kids well away from the events Credit: BNPS Local resident Dave Watts, 55, told us: "The parking is total chaos. "There's only one car park here but it's completely full by seven or eight in the morning when there's an event on, which means locals can't just come and enjoy the beach on one of the nicest weekends of the year.' He said anti-social behaviour is also rife, adding: "I've caught women squatting in my doorway - it's not just the men who feel they can urinate wherever they please." In previous years it was reported that some horrified parents felt forced to leave the beach after a DJ unleashed a torrent of foul language. Families were bombarded with swear words from the rowdy festival as they tried to enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the sand. Mum-of-two Katie Fowler, 39, told us: 'It gets rowdy. We certainly won't be coming down here with the kids. 'Because the event takes up a big chunk of the beach, everyone else gets squeezed together.' 'It's like Magaluf' 25 Dave Watts has caught men and women urinating in his doorway Credit: BNPS 25 Peter and Nina Martin were furious to find their pricey sea view blocked Credit: BNPS 25 The festival site takes up a huge chunk of the beach Credit: Sandfest Peter and Nina Martin, both 72, spend £3,000 a year renting a picture-perfect blue and white beach hut at Sandbanks, and usually visit every day throughout the summer. But Peter sighed: 'We won't come near the place when these events are happening, we can't. 'These kids behave like they're in Magaluf or somewhere like that. 'There's too much fighting going on, and they pitch tents to sleep on the beach after the festival, even though camping is not allowed, and just dump their tents in the morning. 'It's annoying. This is a beautiful sandy beach and some days it can feel like the Caribbean here, but right now it looks like an ugly industrial estate. 'We've paid a lot of money for a sea view but all you can see from here is fences, tents and toilets.' Christine Jeandren, 62, is also furious that her sea view is entirely obliterated for two whole weeks while organisers prepare for and dismantle the events. She explained: 'The whole thing is ridiculous and locals don't want it, it's hell. 'All I can see is portaloos and there is no getting away from the smell of those toilets in this heat. We won't come near the place when these events are happening, we can't. These kids behave like they're in Magaluf or somewhere like that Peter Martin 'There are masses of youngsters everywhere and their behaviour is awful. I've caught teenagers smoking weed in the bushes, that stinks too. 'If I want to go in the sea we have to walk all the way around the fenced-off area, and you can hear the music blaring half an hour away. 'Sandbanks is just not set up for events this big. I don't understand why they don't move it further away to Bournemouth. 'We've been trying to get rid of it for 18 years. 'It usually takes us 15 minutes to get here on the bus from Poole but when this event is on it can take a couple of hours, the whole thing is gridlocked. 'Basically it's carnage.' 25 Christine Jeandren has been battling for years to get the eyesore moved Credit: BNPS 25 Locals say the tiny town can't cope with such vast numbers of visitors Credit: Sandfest 25 VIP guests arrive in Sandbanks in style Credit: BNPS 25 5,000 people are expected on each day of the festival Credit: BNPS 25 The three-day extravaganza kicks off with polo matches Credit: BNPS 25 Locals say you can hear the music for miles around Credit: James Bridle

We live in UK's poshest seaside town but it's like Magaluf mayhem this weekend – boozy louts bonk in the sea
We live in UK's poshest seaside town but it's like Magaluf mayhem this weekend – boozy louts bonk in the sea

The Irish Sun

time6 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Irish Sun

We live in UK's poshest seaside town but it's like Magaluf mayhem this weekend – boozy louts bonk in the sea

SUNBURNT music lovers high on drugs stagger out of the beachfront venue gnawing on bars of soap nicked from loos en route to the snaking taxi queue, which usually descends into a mass brawl. Meanwhile inebriated men and women brazenly relieve themselves in the doorways of multi-million pound homes. 25 Crowds of 5000 revellers cram on to the beach for SandFest Credit: Sandfest 25 Swanky Sandbanks descends into chaos during the festival Credit: Sandfest 25 Jennifer Krzyzanowska was horrified to see people so intoxicated they were gnawing on soap Credit: BNPS 25 Sophia Horwood says many locals dread the event Credit: BNPS This is SandFest, held in the ultra exclusive beach resort of Sandbanks in Dorset, home to the likes of Harry and Gated driveways boast gleaming Porches, Range Rovers and Bentleys, while superyachts bob on the glistening blue sea. It is famously one of the most expensive and prestigious places to live in Britain, but this weekend frustrated residents say their genteel neighbourhood resembles More than 10,000 people are due to descend for a series of rowdy events - first a polo party called SandPolo, followed by SandFest, a music concert described as a "boutique beach festival" where headline acts have included Idris Elba, Rudimental and Tinie Tempah. This Sunday house DJ Sonny Fodera tops the bill , alongside Katy B, Danny Howard and Saffron Stone, along with DJ sets from Elderbrook and Alex Mills. Jennifer Krzyzanowska, 25, runs Shacks By The Shore, a popular snack bar doing a brisk trade on the edge of the sandy beach, but her team are already preparing for the worst. 'It's always horrendous,' she told The Sun when we visited this week. 'People are so out of it, I've seen guys coming out of there eating bars of blue soap. 'Every year when the venue empties, big fights break out because the taxi queue is so long, and people dive into the sea to cool off. 'There's all kinds going on in the water - they're having sex in there and using it as a toilet. 'The whole thing is a health hazard, but no-one is thinking about their health when they've been drinking in the baking hot sun all day. We live in UK's 'Monte Carlo', it used to be millionaire's playground but now it's ruined by 80mph boy racers 'Another problem on a warm weekend is the beach will be absolutely rammed because the site takes up so much space. "I know some local businesses have to bring in extra security.' Jennifer's colleague Sophia Harwood, 20, added: 'It's basically just a massive all-day drinking session, it gets ugly. A lot of people don't like it.' The tiny town is often referred to as Britain's answer to Monte Carlo - with property prices soaring three times higher than the national average. But many locals feel shut out of the events, where VIP tickets go for £1,200. Heavily intoxicated people are falling into hedges, and it can take over an hour to get out of the house. Charlyn Dean Sandbanks local Charlyn Dean, 41, has a stunning four bedroom property in a prime location which rents out at £10,000 a week during the peak summer months. But leading us through to her immaculate back garden, she points to her blighted view. 'As you can see, our garden is right behind the main stage and it gets unbelievably loud," she said. 'The whole place is packed out, heavily intoxicated people are falling into hedges, and it can take over an hour to get out of the house. 'It's frustrating to say the least.' 'It doesn't feel safe' 25 Revellers drink all day and brawl on the beach when the event ends Credit: Sandfest 25 Residents have witnessed party goers bonking in the sea Credit: Sandfest 25 Charlyn Dean and Holly Jones' garden backs on to the main stage Credit: BNPS 25 Frustrated Bill and Margaret Sharp protect their home with police cones Credit: BNPS 25 Locals say the event attracts people looking for trouble Credit: BNPS Equally frustrated by the chaos are retired couple Margaret and Bill Sharp, both 80. They are the proud owners of a charming beachfront apartment with sweeping views of Poole Harbour and the UNESCO-listed They have invested in their own bright yellow police cones to cordon off their driveway. Margaret explained: 'If we don't put the cones out people use our driveway for a party - they hang around drinking and dancing on their way out of the festival. 'They double park and it doesn't feel safe for us - there is no way an ambulance or fire engine could get down here if there was an emergency. It's dangerous.' When we visited Sandbanks a vast swathe of the beach was cordoned off by high metal fences in preparation for the three days of festivities, squashing frustrated holiday makers closer together in the remaining space. Meanwhile the rows of highly-prized beach huts on the idyllic peninsula have their coveted sea views obliterated for two weeks by enormous marquees and rows of portaloos, which locals say can cause quite the stench. It's so depressing. When the festival is on we're just resigned to not going out, because if we do we can't get home again Chris Weedon Another issue is traffic. With only one narrow road leading on to the luxury peninsula from nearby Poole, the festivals create tailbacks for miles, and the only car park is rammed by 8am. With traffic at a standstill, ticket holders have been known to simply abandon their cars across residents' driveways and even in the middle of the roundabout. Kite surfer Chris Weedon, who lives with his wife Angela in a towering four storey house overlooking the beach, said of the event: 'It's so depressing. 'When the festival is on we're just resigned to not going out, because if we do we can't get home again. 'Late at night when the road is clear they roar down here on motorbikes, doing wheelies at 60mph. Someone is going to die.' He added: 'The litter is just dire, people dump their bottles and cans and I usually spend an hour in the morning filling three sacks of rubbish from outside my house." 25 Kite surfer Chris Weedon fills three sacks of rubbish in the aftermath of the event Credit: BNPS 25 Cops struggle to maintain order amid the chaos Credit: BNPS 25 Fleets of delivery vans block access to the beach on one of the warmest weekends Credit: BNPS 25 Highly-prized beach huts no longer have a sea view Credit: BNPS 25 Traffic is gridlocked and festival goers dump their cars at the side of the road Credit: BNPS 25 With the road at a standstill emergency vehicles have no way to get through Credit: BNPS 25 Sarah Phillips and Katie Fowler keep their kids well away from the events Credit: BNPS Local resident Dave Watts, 55, told us: "The parking is total chaos. "There's only one car park here but it's completely full by seven or eight in the morning when there's an event on, which means locals can't just come and enjoy the beach on one of the nicest weekends of the year.' He said anti-social behaviour is also rife, adding: "I've caught women squatting in my doorway - it's not just the men who feel they can urinate wherever they please." In previous years it was reported that some horrified parents felt forced to leave the beach after a DJ unleashed a torrent of foul language. Families were bombarded with swear words from the rowdy festival as they tried to enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the sand. Mum-of-two Katie Fowler, 39, told us: 'It gets rowdy. We certainly won't be coming down here with the kids. 'Because the event takes up a big chunk of the beach, everyone else gets squeezed together.' 'It's like Magaluf' 25 Dave Watts has caught men and women urinating in his doorway Credit: BNPS 25 Peter and Nina Martin were furious to find their pricey sea view blocked Credit: BNPS 25 The festival site takes up a huge chunk of the beach Credit: Sandfest Peter and Nina Martin, both 72, spend £3,000 a year renting a picture-perfect blue and white beach hut at Sandbanks, and usually visit every day throughout the summer. But Peter sighed: 'We won't come near the place when these events are happening, we can't. 'These kids behave like they're in Magaluf or somewhere like that. 'There's too much fighting going on, and they pitch tents to sleep on the beach after the festival, even though camping is not allowed, and just dump their tents in the morning. 'It's annoying. This is a beautiful sandy beach and some days it can feel like the Caribbean here, but right now it looks like an ugly industrial estate. 'We've paid a lot of money for a sea view but all you can see from here is fences, tents and toilets.' Christine Jeandren, 62, is also furious that her sea view is entirely obliterated for two whole weeks while organisers prepare for and dismantle the events. She explained: 'The whole thing is ridiculous and locals don't want it, it's hell. 'All I can see is portaloos and there is no getting away from the smell of those toilets in this heat. We won't come near the place when these events are happening, we can't. These kids behave like they're in Magaluf or somewhere like that Peter Martin 'There are masses of youngsters everywhere and their behaviour is awful. I've caught teenagers smoking weed in the bushes, that stinks too. 'If I want to go in the sea we have to walk all the way around the fenced-off area, and you can hear the music blaring half an hour away. 'Sandbanks is just not set up for events this big. I don't understand why they don't move it further away to Bournemouth. 'We've been trying to get rid of it for 18 years. 'It usually takes us 15 minutes to get here on the bus from Poole but when this event is on it can take a couple of hours, the whole thing is gridlocked. 'Basically it's carnage.' 25 Christine Jeandren has been battling for years to get the eyesore moved Credit: BNPS 25 Locals say the tiny town can't cope with such vast numbers of visitors Credit: Sandfest 25 VIP guests arrive in Sandbanks in style Credit: BNPS 25 5,000 people are expected on each day of the festival Credit: BNPS 25 The three-day extravaganza kicks off with polo matches Credit: BNPS 25 Locals say you can hear the music for miles around Credit: James Bridle

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