Armed officers are to be deployed at the Wildlife music festival at the weekend for the first time, Sussex Police said this afternoon (Monday 5 June).
The force said that it was stepping up security at the festival which is expected to be attended by thousands of people from Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area.
Acts include Fatboy Slim, Dizzee Rascal, Rag ’n’ Bone Man, Chaka Khan and Pete Tong.
Sussex Police said: “Festival goers have been encouraged to have fun but to remain alert as armed officers are deployed to the Wildlife music festival in Shoreham for the first time.
“Recent events in Manchester and London have understandably raised people’s concerns about attending large events but police and organisers, SJM Concerts Limited, have reviewed and stepped up security in and around the Shoreham Airport site.
“More than 20,000 people are expected on each of the two days – Friday 9 June and Saturday 10 June – and, with enhanced security checks at the entrance gates, they are being asked to avoid taking bags to the event to help speed up their access.”
Superintendent Jim Bartlett said: “Our aim, working with the event organisers, is to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone.
“For several months we have worked with partner agencies in preparation for the festival.
“Since the tragic events in Manchester and London we have reviewed the security plans and increased the number of officers that will be on duty.
“We will have armed officers in and around the site but people should be reassured rather than alarmed by their presence.
“Due to the large volume of visitors expected there may be some disruption to travel in the area and we would urge people to be patient and to plan ahead.
“Follow the signage and heed the advice of stewards and police officers when making your way to and from the site.
“We are asking people to try to avoid bringing bags as this will assist in keeping things moving as quickly as possible through the entrance gates.
“As in previous years, the organisers are taking a strong stance on drugs and anyone trying to take illegal substances into the festival will be refused admission and have their ticket removed.
“This has our full support and we will be working with colleagues from the National Crime Agency to deter and detect offenders. Specialist drug sniffer jobs will be deployed at the entrance gates.
“The event is being run with the full support of the local authority and we will endeavour to prevent disruption and disorder wherever possible.”
Sussex Police said: “Attendees are also being encouraged to take care of their personal belongings, such as wallets, purses and mobile phones.”
Superintendent Bartlett added: “We want people to take care of themselves and look out for each other. If anyone notices anything suspicious, dangerous or inappropriate, report it to police or stewards so that it can be dealt with immediately.”
Armed officers to be deployed to Wildlife music festival
Armed officers are to be deployed at the Wildlife music festival at the weekend, Sussex Police said this afternoon (Thursday 5 June).
The force said that it was stepping up security at the festival which is attended by thousands of people from Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area.
Sussex Police said: “Festival goers have been encouraged to have fun but to remain alert as armed officers are deployed to the Wildlife music festival in Shoreham for the first time.
“Recent events in Manchester and London have understandably raised people’s concerns about attending large events but police and organisers, SJM Concerts Limited, have reviewed and stepped up security in and around the Shoreham Airport site.
“More than 20,000 people are expected on each of the two days – Friday 9 June and Saturday 10 June – and, with enhanced security checks at the entrance gates, they are being asked to avoid taking bags to the event to help speed up their access.”
Superintendent Jim Bartlett said: “Our aim, working with the event organisers, is to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone.
“For several months we have worked with partner agencies in preparation for the festival.
“Since the tragic events in Manchester and London we have reviewed the security plans and increased the number of officers that will be on duty.
“We will have armed officers in and around the site but people should be reassured rather than alarmed by their presence.
“Due to the large volume of visitors expected there may be some disruption to travel in the area and we would urge people to be patient and to plan ahead.
“Follow the signage and heed the advice of stewards and police officers when making your way to and from the site.
“We are asking people to try to avoid bringing bags as this will assist in keeping things moving as quickly as possible through the entrance gates.
“As in previous years, the organisers are taking a strong stance on drugs and anyone trying to take illegal substances into the festival will be refused admission and have their ticket removed.
“This has our full support and we will be working with colleagues from the National Crime Agency to deter and detect offenders. Specialist drug sniffer jobs will be deployed at the entrance gates.
“The event is being run with the full support of the local authority and we will endeavour to prevent disruption and disorder wherever possible.”
Sussex Police said: “Attendees are also being encouraged to take care of their personal belongings, such as wallets, purses and mobile phones.”
Superintendent Bartlett added: “We want people to take care of themselves and look out for each other. If anyone notices anything suspicious, dangerous or inappropriate, report it to police or stewards so that it can be dealt with immediately.”
