THOUSANDS of music fans will descend on Warrington this weekend for the “Neighbourhood Weekender” festival – and police are ready for them.
They have been carefully planning for the event, along with partners such as Warrington Borough Council.
The event will be held in Victoria Park on Saturday and Sunday with sell out crowds of 25,000 each day.
Its the biggest event of its kind to be held in Warrington other than the controversial Creamfields which is held annually at Daresbury – but it will be in a much more densely populated area.
Some local residents opposed the event on the grounds of the proximity of housing – but the festival was given the go-ahead.
Superintendent Bill Dutton, overseeing the policing operation for the event, said: “As this is a large, new event for the town with some high profile headline acts we are expecting a busy weekend. People can expect to see plenty of officers around the festival responding to any incidents that arise to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time.
“They’ll be patrolling around the festival on both the Saturday and Sunday, as well as in the town centre when the event finishes. This will include the pubs and clubs throughout the day and into the night where crowds may disperse to after the event.
“We’ll have security measures in place that include regular searches for drugs, pyrotechnics and weapons, which of course will be removed. It is against the law to bring pyrotechnics into the event.
“I’d say to anyone attempting to bring any of these items into the event, don’t bother, as you will be robustly dealt with. It’s really not worth ruining your weekend over.”
Road closures will be in place on Knutsford Road on Saturday and Sunday between 10.20pm and 11.20pm to allow people to leave the area safely.
Those heading to the event can follow @PoliceWarr on Twitter for information in the run up to and on the day of the event.
Anyone who sees any anti-social or suspicious behaviour is asked to report it to an officer or call Cheshire Police on 101.
