WARRINGTON is gearing itself up for the 10th anniversary of one of the UK’s biggest dance festivals as Creamfields returns to Daresbury for the third year running.
It is expected around 40,000 people from all over the country will descend on Daresbury for the two-day event, 
which takes place over August bank holiday weekend.
Due to the expected mass influx of festival goers, police planning for the event started months ago with a dedicated team being set up to ensure the event is safe and secure.
Leading the planning team for this year’s festival is Inspector Debbie Dodd (pictured).
She said: “The team has been working alongside other agencies within the local community including the emergency services and representatives of local parish councils and residents’ associations.
“As this year’s event includes camping for the first time the Cheshire Police planning team has spent time with police planners of other similar camping festivals including Glastonbury and the V Festival. This has been invaluable as they have been able to share information and experience with us.”
Around 800 staff will be involved in policing the event and will be responsible for traffic management, community policing and general security of the festival.
Tight security will be enforced and a special “police village” will be created in a section of the festival to act as a base for officers to co-ordinate policing from.
Inspector Dodd said: “A number of measures have been put in place by the force to deal with any incidents of crime and disorder whilst the festival is in progress. Crime will be dealt with robustly and positive action will be taken.”
The event is for over 18s only and the Challenge 21 policy will be in operation.
All festival goers will be handed a leaflet with crime reduction advice on it when they receive their tickets.
Inspector Dodd added: “This is a fun event for everyone who attends and it is our role to ensure their safety on site. It is particularly important to us that festival goers respect the local community as they arrive and leave the site. Rest assured that anyone who chooses to spoil the enjoyment of others within the site or causes a nuisance to the local community surrounding the site will be dealt with by police.
“Police Officers, including dog handlers, will be patrolling the campsite alongside security staff to provide reassurance to campers and to deter thieves. I am appealing to campers to help us prevent incidents of theft and not to leave valuables in their tents – but to utilize the safety deposit boxes that are on the site.”
A spokesperson for organisers Cream said: “Working closely with Cheshire Police and the local authority we aim to make this year’s event safe, enjoyable and the best one yet.”
Local residents and those heading for the festival can get more information about the event by visiting www.cheshire.police.uk
Town gears up for dance festival
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Former Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Patron Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
