increased security & safety measures at creamfields

this year creamfields have promised to increase security levels at the festival with a massive operation in place for next saturday's event. the festival is expected to attract over 45,000 people and the organisers and police expect this year's event to be safer than ever. working closely with cheshire police, this year's crime reduction strategy includes:

• a greater number of police on site
• metal detector archways at all entrances
• metal detector wands at all entrances.
• increased security personnel and stewards
• spotter teams at both entrances to prevent troublemakers from entering the event
• increased festoon lighting in and around the site
• increased security bag checks
• information points around the site to help people navigate their way around

also challenge 21 will be in operation again which aims to prevent under age persons gaining access to the festival and also consuming alcohol.

a cream spokesperson says: "we are sending this clear message to all young people that if you look under 21 you will be asked to show photo id to prove you are over 18, anyone who cannot prove their age will be refused entry to the festival. we will also be checking people as they enter the site, ensuring people have not consumed too much alcohol!"

inspector paul carroll from cheshire police said: "around 500 officers have been dedicated to policing this year's event and will be working very closely with security staff to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to safely enjoy the night. if you are unfortunate enough to become a victim of crime there will be plenty of officers on hand around the site to help you out. to keep yourself safe please keep your valuables secure and out of sight, make sure that you stay with your friends and look after each other.

"officers with drugs dogs will also be searching people alongside security staff at the entrances, anyone who is caught with drugs will be prosecuted and may end up missing the event completely. our message is clear, do not bring drugs onto the site you will be caught. police will also be out in force in the local area to deal with anti-social behavior. please remember that there are a number of residents in the area and have respect for their property. any anti-social behaviour will be dealt with robustly.

officers onsite will be on the look out for anyone causing trouble and will search anyone suspected of carrying weapons. if you are arrested you will not only have wasted your ticket but could end up with a criminal record. think about your actions and your effect on others so that everyone has the chance to enjoy this event."

jim king (creamfields event manager) says: "cream and cheshire police plan to make this year's creamfields the safest event to date. whilst creamfields is statistically one of the safest events in the country, these added measures will make the festival even better. we are sending out a clear message to come and enjoy yourselves or don't come at all."

creamfields 2007 takes place on saturday 25th august bank holiday weekend, headliners include the chemical brothers, groove armada, kelis, mark ronson, lcd soundsystem, carl cox, erick morillo, 2manydjs, ferry corsten, eddie halliwell + many more. tickets on sale now. ticketline: 0870 242 7326 / http://www.cream.co.uk/ / http://www.ticketline.co.uk/