G4S Events, one of Europe’s leading independent event security companies, deployed 1,600 specially trained personnel for the V Festival, which took place at Weston Park, Staffordshire on 20-21 August.
The G4S team provided a full range of event security and safety services (including crowd management, campsite patrols, safety and security stewarding, access control, protection for VIP areas and backstage, dog teams and car park patrols).
For the first time, the company also deployed its new specialist Event Tactical Support (ETS) Team, which worked closely on-site with the local police to provide additional specialist event security and safety management expertise.
Dave Holdway (superintendent, local policing for Newcastle, Moorlands, East Staffs and Stafford) commented: “Another successful V Festival operation saw crime levels remain low. This was due in no small measure to the joint working between the police and G4S, which this year has witnessed new levels of integration.”
Low level policing roles
The G4S Event Support Team members successfully carried out a number of the roles previously undertaken by the police, as well as conducting joint patrols with police officers around the arena, campsites and village area.
“The commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm of our G4S colleagues was of the highest standard,” continued Holdway, “and has cemented a strong working relationship that we intend to develop further in the coming years.”
Andy Redhead, the head of production for the V Festival at SJM Concerts, said: “G4S’ close co-operation with the police provided an excellent standard of security and safety for this year’s festival-goers. The efforts of the G4S team meant we could provide a peaceful and friendly environment, in turn ensuring everyone could enjoy great music and everything the V Festival has to offer in a safe and secure atmosphere.”
Comment from the solutions provider
Eric Alexander, managing director for G4S Events, added: “Our significant operation at the recent V Festival resulted in a very high level of safety and security, allowing the event to run smoothly, and with a welcome fall in the number of recorded incidents.”
Alexander added: “The experience of our Event Tactical Support Team in event and crowd management allowed us to design and deliver safety security solutions with the festival organisers and police that ensured the comfort and enjoyment of all those attending. We’re already looking forward to working with the V Festival organisers next year.”
Launched in 1996, the V Festival – sponsored by Virgin Media – now attracts 85,000 people each year, with headlining acts including the Arctic Monkeys and Eminem.
G4S Events will be providing fulsome support to next year’s V Festival, once again helping to ensure the safety and security of festival goers.
