Copenhagen City Council rejects public vote on Ørestad festival site

A majority in the Copenhagen City Council has rejected a proposal to allow citizens to vote on the future use of the Kalvebod Kile area in Ørestad. The area, which currently hosts a golf course, is being considered for use as a festival site.

Proposals from the Venstre and Alternativet parties sought to hold a referendum to gauge public opinion, with the results intended to inform the political decision-making process. The motion was voted down by the majority.

Karoline Lindgaard, political leader for Alternativet Copenhagen, criticized the decision as “arrogant and democratically tone-deaf,” arguing that residents should have a say in how the area is used, especially given the potential impact of music and heavy traffic from a festival site on local neighbors.