Creamfields fans warned by police to leave drugs and weapons in amnesty bins to avoid potential 'life-changing consequences'

Police have urged dance music fans attending the Creamfields North festival to leave any drugs or weapons in amnesty bins before entering - warning the actions of those who carry prohibited items could have "life-changing consequences".

About 70,000 people are due to attend the UK's biggest dance festival in Daresbury, near Warrington, over the bank holiday weekend, with acts including Calvin Harris, Fatboy Slim, David Guetta, Becky Hill, Idris Elba and Carl Cox on the line-up.

In a statement about policing the event, Superintendent Sarah Heath, from Cheshire Constabulary, said searches would take place on entry and sniffer dogs would also be in attendance.

Anyone found in possession of drugs or weapons will face punishment, she warned.

"Each year, months of planning goes into making sure we are as prepared as possible ahead of Creamfields taking place," she said.

"Just as in previous years, the event organisers will have a range of security measures in place such as searches before being granted entry and drug dogs in attendance.

"Amnesty bins are also in place at entrance points of the site for prohibited items and anyone who does not use these bins but is found to be in possession of drugs or weapons will be dealt with.

"So I would urge you to please think before you act as the decisions that you could make may have life-changing consequences."

Drugs amnesty bins have been used at previous UK events including the Bestival and V festivals, Ascot and the Grand National, and Caribbean carnivals.

Creamfields North, the original festival, follows the new Creamfields South event launched in Chelmsford in June.

Just over 100 crimes were reported at the North festival in 2021, most of them drug-related, according to the Warrington Guardian, with 29 arrests made. Police in Essex made 16 arrests at the inaugural South event.

Superintendent Heath said the majority of people at the festival this year would enjoy it responsibly.

"However, I must also make it clear that any form of criminality will not be tolerated and we will do everything in our power to ensure that the actions of a small minority do not impact those who are out having a good time," she added.