Do not attempt to have an illegal gathering in the run up to the Glastonbury Festival … well, as if Professional Security readers would!
That is the advice of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary before one of Europe’s biggest music festivals. Police say that they are expecting large numbers of people to head towards the village of Pilton after the summer solstice at Stonehenge in the early hours of Tuesday, June 21.
But the message to anybody hoping to come to Worthy Farm is if you do not have a ticket, stay away, police add. Anybody starting an illegal gathering before, during or after the festival, faces swift action from police who say they will do everything they can to prevent disruption to communities in Somerset.
Under the Anti Social Behaviour Act, police have the power to break up an illegal gathering at a very early stage and positive action will be taken against any groups looking to start a rave or illegal outdoor party.
What they say
Supt Adrian Coombs said: “There is no problem for anyone who is coming to Pilton with a valid festival ticket to enjoy the event. However, we will do everything possible to prevent illegal gatherings from the off as they have a tremendous impact on the lives of people living in our force area.
“We are working with our surrounding forces to ensure these gatherings do not take a hold and will use legislation which was implemented very successfully last year for the first time. Local residents have a right not to expect an illegal gathering being set up on their doorstep and we will do everything in our power to prevent these taking place by nipping them in the bud before they take a hold.”
For the last year, police say, they have been working with festival organisers and local authority Mendip District Council to make this year’s festival safe. Last year’s event saw recorded crime drop by 40 per cent on 2003.
