A rock festival being advertised in Brighton could be a scam, Sussex Police warned today (Monday 8 February).
The force said: “Sussex Police are asking residents to be cautious over ticket sales site for a festival near Brighton.
“The police and Brighton and Hove City Council have become aware of a website that is promoting an event called ‘the Eastwood Festival’.
“This is advertised as a Russian rock, two-day event located in the Ovingdean area.
“At this time, neither Sussex Police nor Brighton and Hove City Council have been approached in relation to the safety and licensing of such an event nor have our attempts to contact the organisers been successful.
“Those thinking of attending this event and purchasing tickets should consider this position prior to purchasing tickets until the validity of the event can be confirmed and relevant licences have been granted.
“This event is being advertised at a cost of £200 for attending the two-day event and the police and council are currently unable to confirm that this event will be either safe to attend or indeed will go ahead as the appropriate licenses have not been authorised.”
Chief Inspector Chris Veale said: “Until we are able to ascertain the validity of both this website and the event we would ask residents who are thinking of attending to exercise caution and take our advice into account before providing your bank details for payment.
“We will continue to attempt to make contact with event organisers and land owners and will provide more information as and when it comes to light.”
Sussex Police said that officers were working with the council and their partners to identify the organisers of this event and find out more information.
A website said that the Eastwood Festival 2016 would be “the largest festival of Russian rock music in Western Europe and the only one in the UK”.
It added: “The festival will be held in Great Britain, East Sussex, in Brighton, on the English Channel (La Manche) in May 2016 and will last for two days.
“Festival guests will have an unforgettable atmosphere kilowatts of sound and light, laser and fireworks show, complete concerts of the festival headliners.” (sic)
The dates advertised are Saturday 28 May and Sunday 29 May.
