Claims of stampeding youngsters at city festival

Authorities in Coventry have said they will review their policies for a popular festival following reports of stampeding youths at this year’s event.

People took to social media after the Godiva Festival to discuss various incidents, including one which they said caused a festival stage to close down.

Several people commented to say they had never seen anything like it before and claimed the incident involved more than 100 youngsters.

The council, which organises the event, said safety is their main priority and added that they review feedback after each event.

The festival, which marked its 25th year, was held at War Memorial Park from 5 to 7 July.

Some said the incidents had forced them to leave early and put them off returning.

Others, however, said they had had a good time, describing it as amazing and brilliant.

It is not the first time there have been reports of trouble at the festival.

Last year, similar concerns were raised about gangs of youths, and a crush in 2019 led to 11 people being treated for minor injuries.

In 2017 a 16-year-old was arrested for carrying a knife at the festival.

Richard Ashcroft, Paloma Faith and Beverley Knight were among this year's perfomers.

A spokesperson for Coventry City Council said organisers review all feedback, including social media comments, and this is used to make decisions for future events.

They said they had worked with a security contractor, West Midlands Police and other organisations, adding that the safety of attendees is their main priority and the entire site is under observation at all times.

“We’d like to reassure attendees that Godiva Festival is a safe environment for festivalgoers of all ages,” they said.

They added: “We are determined to ensure the festival is accessible, appealing and safe for everyone.”

They apologised to those who were impacted by negative behaviour, and said they would work to ensure the small minority do not spoil it for others.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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