This summer’s V Festival saw the lowest level of recorded incidents in the event’s 15 year history, report the event security contractor G4S Secure Solutions (UK).
G4S Events, the events arm of the security contract firm, deployed 1,600 personnel for the event at Weston Park, on the border of Shropshire and Staffordshire on the weekend of August 20 and 21. Event security and safety services included crowd management, campsite patrols, safety and security stewarding, access control, protection for VIP areas and backstage, dog teams and car park patrols. G4S also deployed, for the first time, its new specialist Event Tactical Support (ETS) team, which worked on-site with police.
Dave Holdway, Superintendent, Local Policing, Newcastle, Moorlands, East Staffs & Stafford said: “Another successful V Festival operation saw crime levels remain low. This was due in no small measure to the joint working between the police and G4S which this year has gone to a new level of integration. The G4S Event Support Team successfully took on a number of the roles previously undertaken by the police as well as carrying out joint patrols with police officers around the arena, campsites and village area. The commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm of our G4S colleagues was of the highest standard and has cemented a strong working relationship that we intend to develop further in the coming years.”
And Andy Redhead, Head of Production V Festival, SJM Concerts said: “G4S’s close cooperation with the police provided an excellent standard of security and safety for this year’s festival goers. The efforts of the G4S team meant we could provide a peaceful and friendly environment ensuring everyone could enjoy great music and everything the V Festival has to offer in a safe and secure atmosphere.”
Eric Alexander, Managing Director for G4S Events, added: “Our significant operation at the recent V Festival resulted in a very high level of safety and security, allowing the event to run smoothly, and with a welcome fall in the number of recorded incidents. The experience of our Event Tactical Support team in event and crowd management allowed us to design and deliver safety security solutions with the festival organisers and police that ensured the comfort and enjoyment of all those attending. We are already looking forward to working with the V Festival organisers next year.”
Launched in 1996, V Festival – sponsored by Virgin Media – now attracts 85,000 people each year with headlining acts including the Arctic Monkeys and Eminem. G4S Events will again be providing support to next year’s V. For further information on G4S Events –
