Festival-goers urged to stay in control
Alcohol, drug and sexual health services in Warwickshire are reminding revellers to enjoy and stay in control at this weekends’ Global Gathering Dance Festival.
The message comes from Warwickshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) and Warwickshire’s Respect Yourself Campaign, who are joining calls from the Police for a trouble-free event at Long Marston Airfield near Stratford (Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July).
Apart from the obvious consequences of getting involved in any illegal activity like taking or supplying drugs, the two county council services are also asking visitors to think about hazards of excessive drinking and violence, or having unsafe sex with people they’ve only just met.
Kit Leck, Manager of Warwickshire DAAT, said: “"We want people to have a great time at the festival next weekend but want to remind those thinking of taking drugs about the wider implications of this activity.
“In addition to exposing themselves to possible physical and mental health risks, and the serious consequences of being caught with drugs, users are contributing to a trade with links to serious organised crime including prostitution and trafficking of people and firearms. None of this is what Global Gathering is all about.”
Excessive drinking will result in a bad hangover at best; or becoming involved in violence or landing yourself in hospital at worst. It can also affect your judgement when it comes to sex, as Amy Danahay, Manager of the Respect Yourself Campaign, explains:
“With any large gathering like this and spirits running high, there is a good chance you could meet new people and get carried away with the moment. One thing may lead to another and if you’ve been drinking lots of alcohol as well, the chance of finding yourself in risky sexual situations could be increased.
“It is important to stay safe and in control of your actions – drink water in between alcoholic drinks; enjoy the sexual activity you want, without causing yourself or anyone else unnecessary suffering or harm.
“Remember only you should decide whether or not to have sex with someone – and if you do, use contraception to reduce the risk of an unplanned pregnancy or catching an STI such as Chlamydia.”
Re-enforcing the Respect Yourself Campaign’s message, Condom Essential Wear will be distributing glow in the dark pouches containing condoms to young people at various points of the airfield over the weekend.
Personal safety may also be a concern for festival-goers who are advised by the county council to keep a close watch on their possessions – although the risk of becoming a victim is only slight.
Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Festivals can sometimes be hot spots for opportunistic thieves who may take advantage of the crowds, the many distractions, and reduced security associated with camping.
“Our advice to revellers would be to avoid taking too many valuable belongings with them and to keep all essential items close to hand. If attending with friends, stay together and make sure you know where members of your party are.”
“Global Gathering is one of the UK’s foremost dance music festivals and it bring a lot of visitors to the area, we want our guests to have the best time they can and staying in control and keeping safe is key to this.”
For more information about Community Safety or drugs and alcohol, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/drugs.
To find out more about relationships and sexual health, visit http://www.respectyourself.info.