CREAMFIELDS boss James Barton believes the dance music festival's new location could help make this summer's event the best yet.

The Cream chief executive says that if the 15-hour outdoor party is as successful in Daresbury as it has been in Speke, the new site could play host to it for years to come.

Speaking to the World at the launch party in Liverpool's BabyCream, Mr Barton said: "We're really excited about the new location and the line-up. It will be the best show we've ever done.

"After looking at a number of sites, we decided Daresbury fitted the bill. We believe this site is more than suitable. It has good quality access and is as close to Merseyside as possible.

"If Creamfields passes off well and people find it acceptable, we would hope to continue there. It's definitely our intention to stick around."

Some residents in quiet Daresbury and the surrounding area fear their August bank holiday weekend will be ruined by traffic chaos, noise pollution and other disruption brought by 45,000 revellers.

Mr Barton said: "I understand residents' concerns but we also have to demonstrate the opportunities.

"We've met untold amounts of people, attended parish council meetings, one-on-ones and we've said everything we can possibly say.

"My team are some of the best in Europe for organising outdoor events like this. We have a tremendous track record and have always managed to address the issues a large-scale music event generates.

"We have been honest enough to admit there will be some disruption - people will see cars and hear noise - but this is a huge opportunity for Halton to host an international, award-winning event that will generate a huge amount of tourism and revenue.

"This event takes place in Argentina, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Brazil. Daresbury will be known as the home of UK Creamfields. It can only be a positive thing."

This year sees the most diverse Creamfields line-up yet. The usual DJs and dance acts, including The Prodigy, will be joined by Gnarls Barkley, Goldfrapp and The Zutons.

Halton Council's licensing committee meets on Tuesday, June 27, to decide whether or not Creamfields gets the go-ahead.

In the seven years it was held at Speke's Old Airfield, £20m was generated in direct tourism income for the surrounding area.