Revellers at the north’s biggest music festival have been urged by police, health and drug workers to behave themselves and look after each other this weekend.
Belladrum returns for its 13th year tomorrow, with 18,000 people expected to watch bands including Super Furry Animals, Madness and The Darkness over the next three days.
A number of organisations, including police, NHS Highland and Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, have issued advice to music fans about how to stay safe at the festival.
Police event commander chief inspector Brian Mackay said that people should keep an eye on the weather and stay hydrated, avoid taking drugs and be aware of surroundings when it comes to the likes of barbecues close to tents.
He added: “Our key message is for everyone to look after each other. Come to the event and enjoy it but look after yourself and your property and when looking after each other, avoid taking drugs because there is no safe way to take them. We will actively seek out those who look to take take drugs at Belladrum, we will have dedicated officers assisted by specialist dogs throughout the event.
“Voluntary drink-driving breath testing and education will be available to those who wish to check how alcohol affects them in respect of drink drive limits.
“All stewards and our own officers are here to help folk and keep the event safe. I would encourage people to approach our local officers in attendance at the festival”.
Eve MacLeod, NHS Highland health improvement specialist, stressed the need for people to take plenty of condoms with them to the festival, helping to protect women from unwanted pregnancy and everyone from sexually transmitted infections.
Debbie Stewart, co-ordinator for Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, said: “The best way to stay safe is to drink sensibly. You can pace yourself by drinking slowly, avoid mixing drinks, switch between alcohol and soft drinks or shift to a lower strength of alcohol”.
Belladrum Estate owner and event organiser Joe Gibbs said: “People come here to be entertained but our primary concern is that they come here to be entertained safely”.
Further safety advice can be found on the festival’s website.
