Stay festival safe

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Music Festival

Festival-goers are being urged to keep themselves safe, particularly at this weekend’s Parklife.

Parklife attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Heaton Park every year, and we are urging those attending this weekend to steer clear of dangerous substances such as drugs and ‘legal highs.’

Each year there are hundreds of medical incidents at Heaton Park and the surrounding area throughout the course of the festival weekend with the majority of incidents concerning people who have taken drugs or drank excessive amounts of alcohol.

Derek Cartwright, NWAS Director of Operations, said: “It is fantastic that people are able to enjoy live music at local festivals but it is important that everyone has fun safely throughout the weekend.

“We are asking people to wear appropriate clothing which is suitable for unpredictable weather including durable footwear and layers which can be removed if it gets too warm.

Sunscreen is also advised, even if it’s cloudy, along with raincoats as umbrellas are prohibited at the event.”

NWAS top tips for festival goers: 

• Don’t consume too much alcohol and drink plenty of water. 
• Stay with friends and plan a visible location to meet up if you do become separated
• Know your route home and check public transport availability and times beforehand
• Be aware of where to find medical assistance on site
• Be considerate of other people
• Keep ears protected from over-exposure of loud noise by having regular breaks from the music tents.
• Enjoy yourself! 

Medical assistance will be available for minor injuries in marked out locations across the festival site however in the case of an emergency, such as unconsciousness, cardiac arrest or heavy bleeding, call 999.