REVELLERS heading to Glasgow’s TRNSMT Festival this weekend can expect to see headline acts — and armed police.
In the wake of the London and Manchester terror attacks, Police Scotland will deploy armed units to patrol near to the festival as part of a general security escalation.
They urged people not to bring bags larger than an A3 sheet of paper and warned anyone with a bag should expect to be searched.
The DF Concert event, which runs between Friday and Sunday, boasts a lineup featuring Radiohead, Kasabian, Biffy Clyro and The Kooks, who are all set to serenade Glasgow Green.
The non-camping festival was organised in the wake of the cancellation of T in the Park, which will “take a break” this year after it experienced teething problems at its new Perthshire location.
Logistical and safety concerns have tarnished the reputation of the Scottish summertime staple.
Last year, two 17 year-olds tragically died on the first night.
Police officials are keen to stress that they have received “no specific intelligence” which indicates the festival is likely to be targeted and the security measures are standard procedure for crowded locations while the national security level remains ‘severe’.
Aside from armed officers, plain clothed police will also attend in order to observe crowd behaviour while keeping an eye out for “suspicious or criminal behaviour”.
CCTV systems operated by Community Safety Glasgow are in place to back up the Police effort.
Superintendent Stewart Carle, the event commander, said: “Glasgow will see an influx of tens of thousands of people attending this three-day music festival.
“Travel routes and the city centre are going to be busier than normal, so please plan your journey ahead.
“Our preparations with our partners have been ongoing for many months.
“The public’s safety is our top priority. Our advice remains the same — be alert but not alarmed and enjoy the festival.
As for drug usage, the Police are underlining their zero-tolerance approach, warning anyone caught with drugs will be arrested immediately.
Drunk festival goers will be barred from entering.
Those who engage in disorderly and drunken, loutish behaviour inside the venue can expect to be ejected or arrested, police warned.
Anyone intent on bringing flares, smoke devices or other pyrotechnics have been warned that they will be refused entry.
Carle appealed to festival goers’ sensible sides, advising they plan ahead.
He said: “The festival organisers have put in place medical facilities and a welfare tent for those who may become unwell.
“The best advice is to drink sensibly and take plenty of water, of which there will be free supplies.”
Above all, he recommended the public enjoy themselves.
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