Safety at festival is “top priority”

The Bluetones - Feel Good Festival 2009

Rochdale Borough Council has reiterated that safety at this year’s Feel Good Festival is paramount.

Concerns were raised after 19 people were crushed to death at a free dance music festival in Germany over the weekend.

Survivors of the Love Parade in Germany have blamed the organisers for the disaster, according to the BBC.

With less than a month to go until Rochdale is hit with festival fever a spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “The health and safety of everyone at the festival is our top priority.

“We want people to have a safe weekend and have rigorous plans in place to manage public safety, supported by the Police, stewards and our security contractor.

“Our main stage by the side of the town hall is in a large open area, which will be limited to 5,000 people, although the area can comfortably hold over 6,000. The space will allow for the safe movement of people and we have employed an experienced safety officer to look after crowd dynamics and safety.”