Bestival to introduce drug testing facilities at 2018 festival
- PublishedMon, Jun 4, 2018, 15:55
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- "Harm reduction and customer welfare are our priorities," said the UK giant, which will offer the system for the first time.
- One of the UK's biggest festivals, Bestival, has announced it will introduce onsite drug testing facilities in 2018. The four-day event, which last year moved from the Isle Of Wight to Dorset, was the subject of intense media scrutiny in 2017 following the death of 25-year-old Louella Michie, who died from drug-related complications. This year, Bestival's 50,000 attendees will have the chance to test their substances without fear of being arrested. "In the interests of public safety, Bestival has always strongly advised festivalgoers to avoid taking any illegal substances," a Bestival spokesperson told The Independent. "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." Bestival's decision was in response to recent calls from drug safety experts and campaigners, who urged facilities be introduced at all UK festivals following the death of two partygoers at Mutiny Festival in May. Bestival follows events like Boomtown, Secret Garden Party and Love Saves The Day in adopting the policy, while last month in Bristol, the UK's first-ever pop-up facility opened. That said, many major UK festivals have yet to sign up. Bestival 2018 will run from August 2nd through 5th at Lulworth Estate, with performances from the likes of London Grammar, Kelela and Grace Jones.
- Thu, Aug 2, 2018
Bestival
London Grammar, Grace Jones, Mura Masa, Thundercat, David Rodigan, Kolektiv, Gentleman's Dub Club, Demus, IAMDDB, Kelela, Mike Skinner, Holy Goof, Charlotte de Witte, Agoria, Ghetts, Ghetts, CASisDEAD, Confidence Man, House Gospel Choir, Frankie Knuckles, Hak Baker, Mellah, Rudimental, Bicep, Amelie Lens, Solardo, Denis Sulta, Mall Grab, Honey Dijon, Artwork, CamelPhat, Flava D, Palms Trax, Objekt, Nastia, Eli & Fur, Alex Niggemann, Benjamin Damage, Amine K, Mella Dee, Moxie, Darkzy, Fineart, HAAi, Jamz Supernova, Goldie, Jane Fitz, Loadstar, DC Breaks, Billy Daniel Bunter, Rob Da Bank, Happy Meals, Faithless, Jaguar Skills, Krafty Kuts, Wookie, Matt Jam Lamont, Alix Perez, Technimatic, GLXY, SP:MC, Visionobi