Police forces in Essex and Staffordshire have both confirmed they will have armed patrols in or around each of the V Festival sites. Extra searches of festival-goers and vehicles will also be undertaken at the weekend.
Staffordshire Police announced that armed police will be on patrol at Weston Park “all weekend for reassurance and deterrence”. The force has advised ticket holders via social media on increased security measures in place.
Fans travelling to Hylands Park in Chelmsford have also been told to expect an armed presence. Essex Police Deputy Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “People on their way to the festival site may see armed police officers on patrol. Those officers are there for safety and reassurance and not in response to any specific threat so please don’t be alarmed by their presence.”
In a statement on its website, V Festival said: “Your safety is our priority and we’ve put in place all necessary measures to maximise public safety, working closely with local authorities at the highest level.”
Pink and Jay-Z are headlining V Festival 2017, which is promoted by Metropolis/Live Nation.
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