Safety 'What to do if you...'

…Experience or witness an emergency

If a serious or life-threatening crime is being committed, please contact a member of staff in a bright tabard or police officer immediately. If in the unlikely event you cannot find someone, please call 999, and/or shout for help to get attention.

There are over a thousand security, stewards and campsite staff on duty, all of which wear our festival tabards. Locate a member of staff for any emergencies, who will be able to assist or locate the correct assistance.

…Are struggling with your mental health

In the instance of a mental health emergency, when you or someone else could harm yourself or others, please find a member of staff wearing a high-vis immediately. They can radio for the right assistance. Alternatively, visit a medical tent if you are able.

Festivals can be overwhelming and can take a toll on your mental health. If you need support, a friendly chat, or a comfortable stress-free place to chill out, you can visit:

One of our Airhubs which are located across our campsites. These are staffed by our volunteers from local community groups and charities.
Samaritans (24hrs) – Based in the Village
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.
Festival Angels (24hrs) – Based in the Village – The local team provide a friendly face and listening ear for festivalgoers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.

You can visit a Wellbeing tent for confidential chats and chillout time:

Arena - (11am to midnight)
The Village - (24hrs)
Campsite - (24hrs)

You can also visit the sensory calm tent in the arena during arena opening times.

…Need a friendly chat

If something is on your mind or you are struggling with the festival environment, you can visit:

One of Our AIR Hubs (24hrs) –
The AIR Hubs are located across our campsites to provide Assistance, Information and support.
These are staffed by volunteers from local community groups and charities. Please do get to know your nearest AIR Hub where you are camping, and the others around site.

Samaritans (24hrs) – Based in the Village.
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.

Festival Angels (24hrs) – Based in the Village.
The local team provide a friendly face and listening ear for festivalgoers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.

You can visit a Wellbeing tent for confidential chats and chillout time:

Arena (11am to midnight)

The Village (24hrs)

You can also seek support from our security teams who you will see around the festival.

…Feel uncomfortable about someone’s behaviour towards you

If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, you can go to any bar or security personnel and Ask for Angela. They will provide discreet help to get out of a situation.

You can also seek support from our security teams who you will see around the festival and at the following locations:

One of Our AIR Hubs (24hrs) - across all campsites.
These are staffed by volunteers from local community groups and charities. Please do get to know your nearest AIRHUB where you are camping and others around site.

Samaritans (24hrs) – Based in the village.
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.

Festival Angels (24hrs) – Based in the Village.
The local team provide a friendly face and listening ear for festivalgoers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.

You can also visit a Wellbeing tent for confidential chats and chillout time:

Arena (11am to midnight)

The Village (24hrs)

…Experience sexual assault

If you think you may have been the victim of sexual assault, approach any member of staff wearing a hi-vis tabard for assistance. Alternatively, you can visit the services below, where they will be able to provide the care and support you need:

Wellbeing Tent

Arena (11am to midnight)

The Village (24hrs)

SARC – Sexual Assault Referral Centre. They provide emotional and practical support on site to anyone who is a victim of any crime including, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Ask a member of the festival team for them or find them on site in the Village. They will be on hand to help during the festival & offer longer term support if you need it:

The Village (24hrs)

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If you have experienced a crime on site and need support on next steps, we can help you with the next steps.
Please speak to any of our support teams including, Wellbeing, Medical, an AIR Hub or your nearest Campsite Manager who are positioned in all campsites 24 hours.

…Are having a bad experience with drugs or alcohol

We still want our festival-goers to know that you can come to us for help if you or your friends need it, without fear of getting in trouble at any time.

If you or someone you are with has a bad reaction and needs medical help, talk to the nearest member of staff immediately. Let the medics know what has been taken. You could save your friend’s life. We guarantee you will not get in trouble. People who are overdosing can go downhill very quickly so don’t delay in seeking help.

If you take drugs and become ill, depressed or concerned, make sure you ask the nearest member of staff to direct you to our Medical Tent or Wellbeing Tent.

Always be honest with medics and Wellbeing teams about what you have consumed so that they know how best to help you.

Medical:

Arena – (11am to midnight)

The Village – (24hrs)

Wellbeing:

Arena (11am to midnight) -

The Village (24hrs) -

UK Narcotics Anonymous are on site at Pepsi MAX presents Leeds Festival. Details of their location and opening hours will be updated before the festival.

Narcotics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. At Pepsi MAX presents Leeds Festival, you can drop into their tent for a chat and attend scheduled meetings.

Check out No Regrets Leeds for their tips and tricks on Festival Season, Talk Alcohol No Regrets

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…Experience theft or another crime

In an emergency: Alert a steward or a security person wearing a high-vis who will know how to contact law enforcement and security services.

If you need to contact West Yorkshire Police to report a non-emergency crime or to provide information on a crime while at the festival, please go to a Wellbeing tent:

Arena (11am to midnight)

The Village (24hrs)

If you have experienced a crime on site and need support on next steps or simply to talk, please visit one of our AIR Hubs or Campsite Manager Offices (24hrs).

SARC – Sexual Assault Referral Centres (based in the Village) are on site providing emotional and practical support on site to anyone who is a victim of any crime including, domestic abuse and sexual violence. They will be on hand to help during the festival & offer longer term support if you need.

…Are concerned about sexual health

If you are worried about pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, visit our Medical Centres in the Arena and Campsites.

Wellbeing Tent

Arena (11am to midnight)

The Village (24hrs)

…May have been spiked

If you think you or someone you know has been spiked:

If it feels like a medical emergency: Alert a steward or a security person wearing a high-vis who will know the way to the nearest medical facility and will be able to contact Medical by radio.

If you are able, get to your nearest Medical or Wellbeing facility. They will be able to advise and support. If you still have your drink, they will be able to test it for spiking:

Medical:

Arena – (11am to midnight)

The Village – (24hrs)

Wellbeing :

Arena (11am to midnight) -

The Village (24hrs) -

In partnership with our bar provider, we are ensuring all staff (including our security teams) are briefed on what to be aware of with regards to spiking. Please report any suspicious activity to security or bar staff.

...you discover a fire

If a fire starts in your tent, you must get everyone out of the tent and evacuate the area as quickly as possible. You need to get help from the nearest steward or security who will call the onsite Fire Team to extinguish the fire.

In the campsite, please notify the nearest zone manager who can be found in the Campsite Manager Hub.

In the unlikely event that you cannot find a member of security or steward nearby, then please dial 999. In addition to this, our Campsite Assistance Teams (CATs) are provided with a fire backpack to tackle smaller fires.

If you discover a fire in its very early stages and think that you can, deal with it yourself. Remember that fire spreads very quickly around flammable materials such as tents and rubbish. Even a small contained fire can quickly spread, producing smoke and fumes which can kill in seconds.

If you are in any doubt, do not tackle the fire, no matter how small. Ensure that you raise the alarm and keep other campers in the vicinity away from the fire until it has been contained and properly extinguished.

Many people put out small fires quite safely. However, some people die or are injured by tackling fires which are beyond their capabilities.

Here is a simple fire code to help you decide whether to put out or get out:

Only tackle a fire in its very early stages.
Always put your own and other people’s safety first.
Make sure you can escape if you need to and never let a fire block your exit.
Fire extinguishers are only for fighting a fire in its very early stages. Never tackle a fire if it is starting to spread or has spread to other items nearby.
Around 70% of fire deaths are caused by people being overcome by smoke and fume.

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…See something that makes you uncomfortable or looks suspicious

Security checks are in place to protect you in conjunction with Action Counter Terrorism. If you spot something that doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and report it to security staff straight away. Follow advice from @TerrorismPolice and #BeSafeBeSound

…You are lost of have lost someone

If you have lost a child or a person, please contact a member of staff wearing a hi-vis tabard immediately. Alternatively, go to a Wellbeing Tent for assistance:

Arena (11am to midnight) -

The Village (24hrs) -

Additionally the AIR Hubs (open 24 hours) can help!

…Are suffering with drug addiction or substance abuse issues

UK Narcotics Anonymous will be on site at Leeds Festival. Details of their location and opening hours will be updated before the festival.

Narcotics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. At Leeds Festival, you can drop into their tent for a chat and attend scheduled meetings.

Medical Assistance and Wellbeing

If you or someone you are with has a bad reaction and needs medical help, talk to the nearest member of staff immediately. Let the medics know what has been taken — you could save your friend’s life.

We guarantee you will not get in trouble. People who are overdosing can go downhill very quickly, so don’t delay in seeking help.

If you take drugs and become ill, depressed, or concerned, make sure you ask the nearest member of staff to direct you to our Medical Tent or Wellbeing Tent.

Always be honest with medics and Wellbeing teams about what you have consumed so that they know how best to help you.

Medical:

Arena – (11am to midnight)

The Village – (24hrs)

Wellbeing:

Arena (11am to midnight) -

The Village (24hrs) -

Struggling with Drink and Want to Festival Sober? There is a solution.

Alcoholics Anonymous will have a presence at Leeds Festival.

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been drinking, or how much you drink. Alcoholism is an illness.
We live it too, which is why we can help. Or perhaps you are simply sober curious? Our purpose is to stay sober ourselves and help others who turn to us to get sober too.
AA meetings are where you will feel supported, where you can feel you belong.

Each day, we will have meetings that last for one hour where we will share our experience, strength, and hope. Teas and coffees will also be available throughout.

We welcome you, whatever your gender, sexual orientation, income, religion, or race. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking, one day at a time, is welcome.

It is free to attend AA. You can just come and listen — or you can talk and share. It’s up to you.

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#LOOKOUTFOREACHOTHER

Our campaign to promote safety around drugs and alcohol, consent and keeping an eye out for one another. We want to create an environment where everyone feels safe. Remember:

There is no safe level of drug use.
Tolerance can vary depending on person, what you have eaten and done in a day.
Get help if someone feels unsafe or unwell.
Our staff are here to help, not judge.
Don’t be a state – hydrate. Alternate alcohol with water.
If your head is not in the right place, get out of the crowd and tell someone how you feel.
Leave the mixing to the DJ. Mixing substances is always risky.
Eat, sleep, rehydrate, check in with your mates.
Don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to do.
Someone can’t consent if they are drunk or high.
Stick together. Don’t leave anyone behind.

More Information

For parents/guardians

We know it can be nerve-wracking when your young person is heading to a festival on their own. We hope these tips will help your peace of mind. And please see the Full List of Resources below, to put your mind at ease that there are plenty of people onsite looking out for your young person:

There is a dedicated drop off/pick up area, signposted on route to the festival.

Make sure they have all the essentials before they head off: ticket, money, IDs, comfortable footwear, water bottle.
It is always a good idea to have warm clothing and bedding if they are a weekend camper.
Sun cream and hats will be a life saver in a heatwave!

Make sure they can stick with their mates and have a meeting point in case they do get separated.

Encourage them to give any valuables to the Festival Angels Lost Property which is under supervision 24 hours, they’ll be given a ticket for when they return to collect their belongings.

Make sure they know how to pace themselves if they are over 18 and will be drinking alcohol: plenty of water, food and a safe space to hang out.
Remind them that there is no safe way to take drugs and they will be refused entry or ejected if found with them. However, if they or their friends do have a bad experiences with substances, we encourage them to go to a Wellbeing or Medical tent as soon possible and be honest with our staff. They will not get in trouble and will be given the right care.
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#Lookoutforeachother

In 2023, we introduced AIR Hubs across our campsites at Leeds Festival. They provide a facility on top of the existing security and stewarding teams situated in multiple locations in and amongst the camping areas. AIR is an acronym for ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION & RESPONSE and we will be working with local community groups and charities who manage the hubs, with the support of our existing safeguarding and Wellbeing partners at the festival. AIR Hubs are located throughout the campsites, meaning your young person will never be too far away from a friendly face or listening ear. AIR Hubs will be open 24 hours in the campsites.

‘Ask for Angela’ – At any bar or any member of staff in a hi-vis tabard.

Approach a member of staff and ask for ‘Angela’ if you feel uncomfortable and need discreet help getting out of a situation.

Festival Angels (24hrs) – In the Village.

The local team provide a friendly face and listening ear for festivalgoers operating within our Safeguarding teams in the campsites.

Samaritans (24hrs)– In the Village

The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.

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Medical:

Arena – (11am to midnight)

The Village – (24hrs)

Staff at the medical centre are fully qualified medics who are experienced in working at festivals. The centre is equipped to deal with everything from cuts and bruises to major trauma and cardiac arrest. They also operate an on-site pharmacy.

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Wellbeing:

Arena (11am to midnight) -

The Village (24hrs) -

If you are struggling with any mental health concerns, having a bad experience with substances or other people then come and see our Wellbeing team who offer confidential support and a place to stay for however long you need.

Lost Property can be found in the Festival Angels Lost Property point, open 24 hours.

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UK Narcotics Anonymous - located in The Arena:

Narcotics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. Any festival goer can drop into their tent for a chat and attend scheduled meetings.

Alcoholics Anonymous - located in The Arena:

Each day, we will have meetings that last for one hour where we will share our experience, strength, and hope. Teas and coffees will also be available throughout.

We welcome you, whatever your gender, sexual orientation, income, religion, or race. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking, one day at a time, is welcome.

It is free to attend AA. You can just come and listen — or you can talk and share. It’s up to you.

Security:
Security are trained to keep everyone safe. Your young person can report issues to them and they can radio for the correct assistance.

West Yorkshire Police:
We will be working alongside police officers throughout the festival to ensure everyone attending can have a good time and stay safe. Officers are specially trained and are ready to respond to any incidents quickly. Your young person can say hello and stop them for a chat if they see them out and about.

Safety Tips