artists

You are right itsaw, it does say in the t & c's about accepting searches, I don't really mind the searches or the heavy police presence as it does add to a feeling of security. What I do object to is the few people "in authority" who relish causing individuals inconvenience "because they can". I did witness this last year, however my personal experience at WM over the last 4 or 5 years has been very positive.

I suppose it is my growing feeling of paranoia with society and its general accceptance of intrusion into personal civil liberties. eg, From leaving my home to journey to WM, I will probably be on around 100 or so surveylance camera's, I will have my mobile phone with me, which allows for my movements (and of course anyone elses) to be tracked. I booked my ticket online (as did most people) which leaves a computer record of the transaction on the vendors and my own banks computers,,,,,,, and goodness knows what I havn't even thought about.

All this in the name of "keeping me safe" I doubt it. Someone quoted Benjamin franklin regarding liberty and security and it is so true. But where does it end.

Anyhow, I have said my little piece and hope no one gets inconvenienced more than is neccessary and all have a stonking good time, I know I will try to.

Keep smiling ;)

from the bbc:

Until the afternoon of Saturday 30 June, 2007, Scotland seemed to have little to fear from terrorism - but the attack on Glasgow Airport's main terminal building changed that forever.

Before then, invoking special powers to stop and search under the Terrorism Act was rare.

These allow police to approach people without needing to show that they have "reasonable suspicion" an offence is being committed.

From July, Scotland's eight police forces and the British Transport Police applied for and were granted the powers in Scotland.

Your talking about a section 44 of the terorism act 2000, this is only valid for 28 days(or there abouts) then need to be reapplied for (apart from london which is always covered by the act)

We are currently not under a 44 anywhere in Scotland, so your right to refuse a search is still vaild if the police dont have vaild grounds.

All that said, I'm not going to let this put me off having a good time, I just thought I'd clear up what has been said on here.

At the end of the day if you start getting arsey with the police on the way in, you'll make it harder on your self, and potentialy not get in. being polite and playing the game is a good tatic when you want to get in to a fest. Sanding up for your rights is the thing to do if they try this on in the streets.

hope everyone has a good fest.

I wont be going back. I have told all of my friends about the police oppression at the Wickerman festival.

Solfest is a friendlier festival with their own security.

Only a couple of years delayed!