This month’s catch up…
Line-ups still key, but
visas are too expensive,
says 51st State festival
Date rape drug test targets festivals
In the last three years, use of
date rape drugs has increased by
108%, with victims of these drink
spikings mostly being young
women.
This prompted Nina Laible and
her business partner to launch The
DrinkCheck Wristband, a simple
wearable double test to see if a
drink may have been spiked.
It provides a visible deterrent to
deter potential offenders as well as
a foolproof test for date rape drugs.
Users drop their drink onto the
wristband and within two minutes
the test will show if GHB is present
in the drink.
The wristband is billed as a
safe, reliable step to stamping
out drink spiking while showing
the industry that this level of
06
drink spiking is unacceptable and
something must be done.
DrinkCheck Wristband has
already been a success in other
countries, where it is available
in major pharmaceutical shops
and drug stores. “Our campaign
#notinmyglass started in June
and aims to raise awareness by
contacting public bodies forming
relationships with councils
and licensing authorities and
police. We also aim to form
direct relationships with venues,
including pubs, bars, clubs and
festivals and launch the product
in retail as an accessible and cost-
effective solution,” said Laible.
With costs of £1.25 per test, the
solution is cheaper than every
drink on your night out.
Organisers of 51st State festival have outlined the
event’s contemporary concerns.
SVA Promotions’ owner Michael Hughes told Access:
“Brexit and visas are still an issue due to the increasing
costs and the increasing exchange rates of the pound
against the USD and Euro.”
He went on to highlight the continued importance
of influential artists, and getting the support of local
authorities: “The line-up is the key ingredient to 51st
State Festival as our main ethos for the festival is a
celebration of real House music.
“From day one we have worked closely with local
residents, authorities, council and stake holders and
built up a strong relationship with all parties involved.
Each year, post-event we debrief and take on any
comments raised and look at ways of improving.
“The 51st State Festival team work tirelessly
throughout the year with lots of strategic planning
for the future and always look to improve through
customer feedback and in-house suggestions.”
He also advised organisers to consider extra
measures during the hot weather: “As the weather was
very hot we managed to keep our customers cool with
water fountains and shade.”
51st State Festival returns to Trent Park on Saturday
3 August 2019 for its fifth Birthday and biggest event to
date.