Bestival has announced it will provide drug testing facilities for the first time at its 2018 festival, which takes place across August 2 to 5 in Dorset.
This will allow any the 50,000 attendees to test narcotics to see if they have dangerous levels intoxicants or poisons without fear being arrested.
In 2017, 25-year-old Louella Michie at Bestival. A man was initially arrested on suspicion murder then , and on suspicion manslaughter and drug supply fences.
Speaking about the plans to implement drug testing, Bestival said: “In the interests public safety, Bestival has always strongly advised festivalgoers to avoid taking any illegal substances.
“However, harm reduction and customer welfare are our priorities, so we are working with agencies to explore all public health options to ensure audience choice and safety.”
Superintendent Mike Rogers, Dorset Police gold commander for Bestival, said: “We take the issue drug use and supply very seriously and at last year’s event, ficers arrested 24 people for possession with intent to supply drugs.
“Having built upon our experiences policing Bestival in 2017, public safety continues to be paramount and we are exploring all safety options with our partners to ensure the event is a safe environment for all.”
Last month harm reduction charity . The organisation also drug tested at Bristol festival Love Saves The Day in May, and found one in eight “ecstasy” pills contained unwanted substances, including more than 100mg psychoactive substance pentylone. Warnings were then posted around the festival.
Love Save The Day director Tom Paine said: “Initiatives like this are undoubtedly saving lives in today’s festival climate.”
Two , which did not fer drug testing, from drug related causes last month.
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Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Staff Writer, follow him on