Police appeal to Lockdown Festival goers

Devon and Cornwall Police are working closely with the organisers of a music festival to be held on the Powderham estate, near Exeter, this weekend to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.

The Lockdown festival, organised by UK Live, runs on Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of September.

Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk is in charge of the policing of the event. He said: “Our objectives are entirely in line with those of the organisers, in that we want everyone to have a good time and to be safe while they are within the confines of the festival and when they are arriving and leaving.

“Chief amongst the areas we would like people to consider is transport. We are urging people travelling to the event to consider their transport arrangements before arriving at the festival.

“We strongly advise people to organise in advance being dropped off and picked up from outside the site whether by using public transport, a taxi or a lift from friends or family. The A379 is narrow and twisty with unsighted bends and not well lit, so we do not advise walking alone on it at night or trying to hitch lifts. Furthermore, people should be aware that minor roads and paths in the area remain closed due to police searches in relation to an ongoing investigation, and should follow diversion signs rather than attempting to take shortcuts.”

A traffic management plan has been put in place by the organisers, and police advise that vehicles parked so as to cause unnecessary obstruction will be assessed and may be removed. Bridge Road will be closed on the evening of Friday 9th September until Monday 12th September for essential improvement works to the swingbridge approaches, and police advise drivers to leave extra time to get to the event.

Chief Insp Leisk added: “Officers will take a proactive approach to dealing with any drivers who appear to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

The Lockdown Festival website features a comprehensive guide to transport options including bus and rail, entrance and camping arrangements which police advise anyone attending to read closely before setting out. It can be found here: www.lockdownfestival.com/info

Entertainment at the festival includes live music and DJ sets until 1am. The site for the festival is nearer to the estuary than the recent Radio 1 Big Weekend, on the lower waterside area of the estate.

Chief Insp Leisk continues: “The organisers are aware that there may be some concerns about noise levels. You can call the organisers direct on 07391 538604 from 9am on Friday 9th to 5pm on Monday 12th September if you have concerns about noise on the nights the festival is on.”

“We have been impressed by the robustness of the arrangements the organisers have made to ensure a safe festival for everyone, and their concern to safeguard local communities which is also very much our stance. They have also taken on board all of our suggestions.”

The festival is aimed at 16 to 25-years-olds. Anyone under the age of 18 will be given a different coloured wristband and will not be allowed to purchase alcohol on the site. The organisers are also planning searches at the entrance which includes the use of passive drug sniffer dogs.

Police officers will also be in attendance at the festival.