Police in Edinburgh are urging the public to take the appropriate steps to ensure they stay safe at tonight’s DJ Hardwell gig.
Around 11,000 dance music fans are due to attend the event, which runs from 6pm to 4am at the Royal Highland Showground in Ingliston.
Officers from Police Scotland have worked closely with organisers, the City of Edinburgh Council and other emergency services in preparation for the concert and a significant policing operation will be in place throughout the day.
High-visibility uniformed patrols will be undertaken in and around the venue during the gig and a number of plain-clothes officers will also be in attendance to deter and detect criminal activity.
Anyone travelling to Ingliston is advised only to do so if they have already purchased a ticket, as those without one will be refused admission.
Prior to gaining entry, the public will be subject to searches by the stewarding staff and by police officers.
In addition, specialist drug detection dogs will be deployed throughout the queues and anyone found to be in possession of alcohol, weapons, drugs or New Psychoactive Substances (so-called legal highs) will not be allowed into the event.
Within the venue, a private ambulance service will provide treatment to anyone who becomes ill or sustains injury, while the Safe Zone bus will also be in position to provide assistance to anyone who doesn’t require medical attention.
Chief Inspector Graham McInarlin said: “Our message for tonight is clear, we want everyone to have a great night and enjoy the music and carnival atmosphere but to ensure they do not behave in a manner, which puts themselves or others in danger.
“We will have large numbers of officers and other resources in place at the event to assist stewarding staff who will be on the lookout for anyone trying to bring drugs, alcohol or weapons into the event.
“If you are found to be in possession of any illegal or dangerous items they will be seized; you will be refused entry and may face arrest.
“The organisers have included the terms of admission on their website and the ticket and I would urge that the public to ensure they are familiar with these prior to arriving at the gig.
“Police Scotland has a wealth of experience in policing large events and have worked closely with our partner agencies to ensure we keep people safe tonight.
“We would ask those in attendance to work with us so the concert is a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
