Festival Safety
Top festival safety tips
Theft, Fraud and Lost Property
- Protect your valuables - record details of your mobile phone, camera and tablet on the National Mobile Property Register, immobilise.com, before you set off
- Only take what you need and don’t leave valuables or anything with your identity on it unattended.
- Don’t leave valuables on display in your car – leave the glove box empty and open
- Beware of pickpockets – don’t flash your valuables and only carry what cash you need
- Stay alert at cash machines
Antisocial Behaviour
- Carrying weapons in any public place, including festivals is an offence, if found in possession of offensive weapons you will be arrested
- Don’t bring smoke canisters, pellets, flares or other pyrotechnics
- Be responsible and party safe
- Respect local residents and other festival goers
- Don’t place yourself or anybody else in danger when you’re having fun
Consumption of Illicit Substances
- Don’t take drugs – there is no ‘safe’ way to take them
- It is an offence to be in possession of an illegal substance, and will result in arrest and charges.
- You can never be sure what’s in any illicit drug or how it will affect you
- Taking any drug is dangerous, the risk is heightened when you mix with alcohol or other substances
- If you or another have taken a substance and feel unwell urgently seek medical assistance
- Know your alcohol limits, alcohol will make you more vulnerable to theft, assault and sexual assaults. Drink plenty water and stay with friends, never leave a drink unattended and don’t mix alcohol with illegal substances
Personal Safety
- Stay with friends, let them know where you are at all times, arrange meeting points and keep your phones fully charged
- Make sure you and your friends have return journey’s planned
- Stay alert – people under the influence are easy targets for criminals
- Don’t engage in any sexual activity with anyone who does not / or is unable to give their consent due to being under the influence of drink or drugs. In Scots Law this is rape.
- Stick to busy areas of the arena and campsite – don’t be drawn to secluded spots
- Don’t let people into your tent you don’t know
Travel Safety
- Plan your travel arrangements in advance of the event
- Traffic will be heavy – leave enough time to get there.
- Make sure you’ve have all your belongings before you leave
- Don’t get into a car and travel home with people you’ve just met and don’t know
- If you’re driving home, make sure you’re not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, stick to water the night before and remember the reduced drink drive limit.
Police Reporting
- In an emergency dial 999. For non-emergencies dial 101.
- Do you have information about crime or criminals? Contact Crimestoppers and report it anonymously on 0800 555 111
- Are you a young person with information about crime? Report it to Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence at Fearless.org
- Find out more about substance misuse and where to get help at Know The Score
- Are you between 11 and 18? Get the facts about substance misuse at Choices For Life
Logistics
- Make sure you have your genuine ticket / wristbands before you arrive. Only purchase from genuine vendors and avoid touts
- Follow directions of police, event security and stewards. Contact them if you need help.
- Bring a map of the site and keep it on you while you’re there
- Know where your pick up and drop off points are
- Make sure you know the zone your tent is in Safety within Crowded Places
- Be alert, not alarmed
- Be vigilant and report suspicious people or behaviour