Being in a populated area runs the risk today of experiencing a terrorist attack, unfortunately. That being said, governments, event coordinators, and public service officials are doing all they can in order to prevent anything from happening to attendees of major events.
After the tragedy that happened in the Maalbeek metro station and the airport in Brussels during March of 2016, Belgium is doing more to protect those within its borders. This goes for festivals that are being held within the country as well.
According to sources, government officials have started working alongside festival organizers in order to ensure that the safety standards the nation is implementing are being met. Organizers that are being involved in the talks include the organizers of:
- Graspop Metal Meeting
- TW Classic
- Tomorrowland
- Rock Werchter
- Dour Festival
- Pukkelpop
These talks include attempting to work closer with local authorities. Working with authorities, a new list of preventative measures will begin to be created to support safety and security of attendees. One item on the docket, a very possible discussion, would be the banning of backpacks or purses at events. This rule is already implemented in Belgium sporting events and it would make it easier to check and limit the belongings attendees bring into venues.
There is nothing yet hinting to definite new rules for the events, however publicity teams are beginning to release statements. It is the goal of festivals, like Tomorrowland, to allow items to come through security after the proper inspection.
An important thing to remember when in line for security, when planning your trips, and dealing with the “Do Not Bring” lists that may be put out by festival coordinators is that this is to protect the attendee, who is YOU.
Below you will find a statement from the Tomorrowland Press Team can be found below:
MAJOR SUMMER FESTIVALS WORKING ON COLLECTIVE SECURITY MEASURES AND GUIDELINES
The safety of our visitors, artists and their crew, festival staff and local residents has always been a top priority for Graspop Metal Meeting, Rock Werchter, TW Classic, Dour Festival, Tomorrowland and Pukkelpop. All these festivals consult with the authorities and emergency services on a regular basis. Every festival implements a solid security policy.
Still, the reality is that our world has changed recently. As a society, we must learn to deal with the threat of terrorist attack. These last few weeks and months, a series of intensive consultations have taken place with local and federal police, local governments and the Ministry of Home Affairs in preparation of the approaching festival summer. Existing plans are being updated, additional measures are in the pipeline.
The festivals themselves have also taken action. Graspop Metal Meeting, Rock Werchter, TW Classic, Dour Festival, Tomorrowland and Pukkelpop are working on collective measures based on their consultations with the authorities. Clear directives will be established on what to allow or disallow at the various festivals. The aim is to allow backpacks and bags but only following thorough inspection.
In the next few days and weeks, each of the festivals will inform its festivalgoers, staff and other interested parties of the directives and guidelines that must be observed. They will do everything in their power to make sure the additional checks run as smoothly as possible. The organisers would like to thank the fans in advance for their understanding, their willing cooperation, the extra effort they are asked to make and also for their continued vigilance.
Festivals are a celebration. This and every summer.
Kind regards
Peter Van Geel for Graspop Metal Meeting, Herman Schueremans for Rock Werchter and TW Classic, Damien Dufrasne for Dour Festival, Manu and Michiel Beers for Tomorrowland and Chokri Mahassine for Pukkelpop
Important remark: For safety reasons we are not at liberty to communicate in detail on existing or additional safety procedures. For the same reason we cannot announce all the measures taken by the festivals and the competent authorities in this regard.