Bluesfest introduces new security measures for 2018 festival
Posted Jun 19, 2018 08:39:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
RBC Bluesfest is introducing new security measures for its 2018 music festival.
“We are introducing, for the first time, metal detectors on site,” Bluesfest Executive Director, Mark Monahan, told 1310 NEWS.
The festival faced multiple security issues in 2017, where there were incidents of people jumping over fences, and pictures surfaced of multiple concert-goers leaving a rap show with bloodied faces.
“We want people to come to the festival feeling safe. And we want them to feel that if their kids go down, no matter what age, that they feel safe,” said Monahan.
The festival is also introducing no in and out privileges, for the first time in its history.
“We don't have the resources to be processing thousands of people coming in and out throughout the day or evening,” Monahan explained. “We feel these (changes) are hopefully for the better, for everybody.”
As they hope these new measures receive a positive response, the festival said its gearing up for what could be one of, if not their biggest year ever. Ticket sales right now project them being able to bring in more than 300,000 people over the 10-day festival.
Monahan said while the busiest night will be for the headlining Foo Fighters, the Canadian acts are garnering plenty of interest.
“Bryan Adams is one of the best selling nights. Blue Rodeo, who was announced after the on sale, is selling really well,” he said. “People are always looking for something new, but they also, I think, appreciate what they feel comfortable with and have seen before.”
Tickets for Bluesfest are still on sale and can be purchased here.
