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Care & Safety

WELFARE

Air Hubs

New for 2023, we’re introducing AIR Hubs across our campsites at Electric Picnic. They will provide a facility over and above the Info points that were situated in multiple locations in and amongst the camping areas. AIR is an acronym for ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION & RESPONSE and we will be working with local community groups and charities to run these hubs for us, with the support of our existing safeguarding and welfare partners at the festival. The groups involved with the Electric Picnic AIR Hubs to are NCBI, ISPCA, SOSAD Ireland, Turn2Me, Portarlington Women’s Shed, Teac Tom, Portlaoise AFC and Laois Cricket Club. There will be 11 of these in total, meaning you will never be too far away from a friendly face or listening ear when in the campsites. Air Hubs will be open 24 hours in all campsites, from Thursday through to Monday at 14:00.

 

EVENT WELLBEING

Event Wellbeing will be providing our welfare service here at Electric Picnic. If you are experiencing anxiety, struggling with any mental health concerns, or having a bad experience with drugs and alcohol then come and see them in the welfare tent in the Jimi Hendrix Campsite. The Welfare tent is open 24 hours over the weekend to get practical and emotional support. Their team provides a non-judgemental and confidential service and can talk through any concerns you may be having on site. They offer a monitored rest and recovery area if you’ve overdone it. Please go to the Welfare Tent if you experience any problems or need to talk to someone for any reason.

 

SAMARITANS

Samaritans will give you the time and space to talk things through so you can find a way through any problems. You can talk to them any time you like, in your own way, about whatever is getting to you and in complete confidence. Providing emotional support face-to-face on Friday from 21:00 to 02:00 am and again on Saturday/Sunday from 11:00 until 02:00. Available also 24/7 by freephone 116123 and email jo@samaritans.ie

 

HSE SOCIAL INCLUSION

The HSE is running a programme of anonymous drug testing as part of its ongoing ‘Safer Nightlife’ programme and drug harm reduction campaign. Volunteers will be on site giving advice on how to reduce the risks associated with drug use and assisting in emergencies. The HSE aims to obtain substances at a designated tent located back of house from people who choose to submit substances through the use of surrender bins anonymously. They can then identify and communicate if dangerous substances are in circulation via screen messaging and social media.

 

SATU

SATU’s services include a health check, medication and if requested a forensic exam in order to gain evidence. Members of the SATU will be on site during the festival. They will be giving out free condoms and also providing information on what services are available should a rape or assault take place as well as advice on reporting a rape or assault. Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 to 20:00.

 

SEE CHANGE

See Change & Shine are an organisation dedicated to ending mental health stigma. They will be here to provide support and information to anyone who needs it. There will be a branded tent in Mindfield and they will be engaging festival-goers to talk about their green ribbon campaign, which is a symbol of the de-stigmatisation of mental illness. They are open Friday to Sunday from 11:00 to 20:00.

 

SAFE GIGS IRELAND

Safe Gigs Ireland is an initiative that advocates for the creation of a space free from discrimination and violence within the event environment. Members of Safe Gigs Ireland will be on site to assist in the implementation of EP Republic’s zero tolerance policy and to promote Safe Gigs for everyone. They will be located in the Main Arena. They are open Friday from 12:00 to 21:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 21:00.

 

WOMEN’S AID

Women’s Aid is bringing their “Too Into You campaign” to Electric Picnic. The campaign highlights intimate relationship abuse and the red flags in relationships. They will be located in the main arena and can provide information and teach people about the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. They are open Friday from 12:00 to 20:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00.

 

ASK FOR ANGELA

This year we are supporting the Ask for Angela campaign, which is operational at all our venues, bars and briefed to all staff members. We want to make sure help is ready and available to those who call upon it. We have seen this simple yet effective campaign prove successful at our festivals so far and want to continue this at Electric Picnic.

MEDICAL

CODE BLUE

Onsite medical provision provided by CODE BLUE.

 

Main Medical Centre
Main Medical Centre will be located in the Jimi Hendrix campsite next to the Arena Entrance, and is open 24 hours. The medical centre will act as a referral centre from the first aid posts and roaming mobile teams.

First Aid  Points
First aid posts will be located in the Main Arena, Late Night Arena, Family Camping, Jimi Hendrix, Freetown, Janis Joplin and Eiru Campsite.

Security

The safety and security of festival goers is our top priority! Please be patient while we carry out our security checks and searches, which take place at the campsite gates, the arena entrance and may also happen at any time at any location onsite.

 

Our security staff are there for your safety – please cooperate with them as they work to keep us all safe and sound. Some are covert, but most are identified by their numbered tabard. Always go to them if you need help.

 

There are security measures you will see and of course ones that you can’t. The whole site is monitored throughout by staff on the ground along with an extensive CCTV system watched round the clock by a team of monitors in a fully staffed Event Control.

 

Please help us by reporting anything that doesn’t look right to you and also please let us know if you spot an area where we can do better and we will get on it.

 

If you are involved in an incident with any security, steward or member of staff that you want to report – please make a note of their tabard number or name on their pass. You can make a complaint via the Information Tent, Welfare Tent or through the Campsite Manager patrolling your zone in a burgundy tabard and your complaint will be passed straight on to the Organisers onsite.

CRIME PREVENTION

Electric Picnic is a weekend of huge fun and enjoyment. We don’t want that experience spoiled by anything happening to you or your stuff, so we’re offering this advice to help your weekend go with a swing and not a bump.

The festival’s relaxed atmosphere can offer an easy target for criminals. Take the same precautions as you would on any other night out, and please read through the advice below and plan ahead.

We don’t accept any discrimination towards any individual or groups of individuals. Irrespective of the background of the individual, be that gender, race, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity. We are proud of the diverse nature of our festivals and their customers, if you see or experience anyone undermining this – no matter the severity – please report it immediately to one of our onsite staff.

VALUABLES

Quite simply – don’t bring anything you can’t afford to lose.
Don’t leave any valuables in your tent, including medications. Tents are impossible to secure, even when they are zipped. Please use the lockers available in the Jimi Hendrix campsite. See ‘Campsites’ for more information.

Move anything of worth away from your tent door as you sleep. Don’t put a padlock on your tent as this indicates there are valuables inside. Don’t bury your valuables by your tent as someone is bound to be watching.

Only bring the bank cards that you need. Take note of your bank details to make cancellation easier if they go missing.

When walking through the festival – especially at the stages – don’t put money in your back pocket. Use pockets with zips or buy a money belt.

*Contactless payments will be available at all bars and a number of traders. 

PHONES

There are free apps to track your phone if it goes missing or gets stolen. Your device is tracked by GPS and can be located online and in some cases be locked remotely. If the phone is stolen you can pass this information to the Gardaí.
Keep a record of your phone’s unique IMEI number. You can find it by keying in *#06#* on your keypad. This number will help the Gardai trace ownership. Utilise your phone’s security lock or pin number.
Register the phone with your operator. If you report the phone stolen, the operator should then be able to block your SIM card.

VEHICLES

Don’t leave anything valuable in your car – leave your glove compartment empty and open so that thieves can see there is nothing inside

FLARES

Flares or fireworks are not permitted at the festival. Anyone found in possession will be removed from site and could face a fine and/or imprisonment.

CRIME REPORTING

If you do become a victim of crime or if you see a crime happening – report the issue as soon as possible to a member of staff. Try to remember as much as possible regarding the appearance of the person, their clothing and the location of the crime. Look out for toilets, fire towers, unusual tents/structures and any nearby signage.

If you are reporting the theft of a mobile phone, you will be required to first contact your network provider and have the handset blocked. Numbers for Irish network providers will be available in the Information Tent.

It is always worth checking the Lost Property Cabin in the Jimi Hendrix Campsite as it may have been handed in.

CAMPSITE SAFETY

Please take guidance from the stewards in where is best to pitch your tent, if your tent is found to be blocking the fire lanes and emergency exits your tent will be removed for safety reasons.

Introduce yourself to your neighbours and set up a neighbourhood watch system, it may sound naff but experience shows that the best and friendliest campsites are the ones with people in that make the effort to do so. It also means you’ll have more friends to party with.

PERSONAL SAFETY

  • Decide on a meeting point with your friends. Choose a time and place to meet up later in case you get separated from each other.
  • Learn the layout of the site – particularly your camping area so you can easily find toilets and stewards.
  • Get to know the people who are camped around you. It makes for a nicer environment and it means you’ll be familiar with who should be coming and going in your area.
  • Keep your phone charged in case you’re separated from your friends.
  • Stay hydrated. There are free drinking water points, located near the toilet blocks across site.
  • Keep your wits about you. Drink responsibly and know your limit.
  • Please do not climb on any trees onsite. It is dangerous and may damage the tree.
  • Security and stewards are here to help you. Don’t be worried about asking for help in any situation, whether it’s asking for directions or to report something or someone you’re worried about.
  • Strobe lighting – pyrotechnics, lasers, smoke machines, strobe lighting/special effects may take place during some performances.
  • Prolonged exposure to high volume noise can cause hearing damage
  • Mixing drugs with other drugs and / or alcohol / prescription drugs can be a significant danger with risk of death.
  • Ask for help if you or your friends become unwell immediately. We are here to help you.

Further information is available online: talktofrank.com, bluelight.org, the Know Drugs app or Drugs.ie.

FIRE & SAFETY

Fires are not permitted anywhere on site.

Anyone found creating or fuelling a fire may face Eviction. In addition, anyone found burning any unsuitable materials such as toxic materials, other people’s possessions, site infrastructure, trees or hedges onsite will be liable to Eviction and / or prosecution.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Candles are dangerous, please don’t bring them. Bring a torch instead.
If you cook, always do it in the designated BBQ areas, ensure that there is constant supervision and keep well away from any flammable materials
Watch out for flying embers and sparks, as they could start a fire, even from some distance.

If a fire starts in your tent, you must get everyone out and evacuate the area as quickly as possible. Alert the nearest steward or security, who could also be the by Fire Tower, and they’ll contact the Fire Team.

Remember that fire can spread very quickly around flammable materials such as tents and rubbish. Even a small contained fire can quickly spread, producing smoke and fumes which can kill in seconds. Ensure that you raise the alarm and keep other campers in the vicinity away from the fire until it has been contained and properly extinguished.

CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, highly poisonous gas that can kill in minutes. Never take a portable barbeque, or lit charcoal into an enclosed space like a tent or caravan.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

Headache

Dizziness

Nausea

Vomiting

Tiredness and confusion

Stomach Pain

Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

If you think you have potentially be exposed to carbon monoxide gas whilst at the festival, please contact a steward immediately.

MEDICAL CENTRES

There will be First Aid posts in the Main Arena, Late Night Arena, Croi, Family Camping, Jimi Hendrix, Oscar Wilde and Janis Joplin.

WELFARE TENT

The Welfare Tent is open 24 hours and is staffed by experienced and supportive people.

They can provide confidential advice about drugs, alcohol, legal highs and sexual health, and offer support if you need to talk. They offer a monitored rest and recovery area if you’ve overdone it.

Please go to the Welfare Tent if you experience any problems or need to talk to someone for any reason.

DRUGS POLICY

The dealing in or use of illegal drugs is not condoned by Electric Picnic Festival. It is illegal to take, to buy or to sell drugs. Drug enforcement laws are as applicable onsite as anywhere else in the country. If you deal in drugs, you will be handed over to An Garda Siochana. There are covert Gardaí and security onsite who will be able to take action as appropriate. Neither anti-social nor illegal behaviour will be tolerated and participants will leave themselves liable for eviction from the site.

 

Experimenting with drugs can lead to adverse reactions. Drugs can kill. The crowds and the sheer size of the Festival can be very frightening and disorientating and taking drugs could spoil your enjoyment of the event. If you do take drugs and you become ill, depressed or frightened please ask a steward to direct you to one of the many facilities onsite which can help and support you.