A committee in Stratford-upon-Avon granted a licence to hold the Bulldog Bash 2008, although police had submitted a formal objection to the organisers’ application.

On August 12 last year, Hells Angel member Gerry Tobin was shot dead on the M40 after leaving the long-running motorcycling event.

Organisers were granted an annual licence for the event, held in Long Marston, Warwickshire, to cover this year’s planned August festival and last until 2018.

Members of the public applauded as the decision was announced. Councillor Gillian Roache, chair of the licensing committee, told the hearing: "We are of the view that we are dealing with licensed premises and licensable activities and their immediate vicinity."