This is despite the murder of a man after last year's event and fears of violent retribution this time around.

Stratford District Council has decided to allow the four-day festival to go ahead, even though police "do not believe public safety can be ensured".

Members of the council's liquor licensing and gambling panels agreed to grant organisers a licence on Thursday after two days of considering the application.

Warwickshire Police, which argued against the event taking place this year, is now seeking legal advice on launching an appeal.

Assistant chief constable Bill Holland said: "We lodged an objection to a licence being granted for Bulldog Bash because we firmly believe that public safety could be compromised by this event.

"Warwickshire Police has a duty of care to the public and the force will give the council's decision careful consideration before commenting further."

Gerry Tobin, 35, a mechanic from Motting in south-east London was shot dead on August 12 as he rode a motorbike along the M40 near Leamington.

He had been making his way back home after the festival and was gunned down while travelling south between Junctions 13 and 12.

Seven men have denied murdering Mr Tobin and are due to face trial in October.

There were no reports of trouble at last year's event, but police are concerned there could be reprisals at the festival in August.

In submissions to the licensing committee, police said there was a long history of gang culture between bikers and spoke about "intense rivalry" that existed between them.

They also said the increasing levels of attacks across Europe were "concerning" .

Bulldog Bash organisers have said they understand police concerns but are keen to follow the conditions set by the council, which they have always stuck to in the past. They describe it as a 'family event' which has not seen any serious incidents in its 21-year history.