POLICE say 24 people were arrested at the Creamfields music festival, near Warrington, over the Bank Holiday weekend.
They were arrested on suspicion of a variety of offences, including possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, assault, possession of an offensive weapon and public order offences.
Eight drivers were arrested after giving positive breath tests.
But overall, police say the event passed off without serious incident.
More than 35,000 people are believed to have attended the festival on Saturday and more than 30,000 on Sunday.
Police say that as a result of meticulous planning and a high-profile police presence a good natured crowd were able to enjoy the event safely.
Superintendent Jed Manley said: “We are extremely pleased with the policing operation. A lot of planning had been going on behind the scenes for months to ensure the event ran safely and smoothly and the figures reflect this. The figures also reflect the pro-active style of policing, which included the use of drugs dogs and the Automatic Number Plate Recognition System.
“We have worked closely with the organisers of the event to build on the success of last year and we are grateful for all the hard work of our officers.”
Around 800 staff were involved in the policing of the event including Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers, members of the Special Constabulary and police staff. Many worked within the site itself while others were responsible for patrolling the perimeter of the site and surrounding areas.
Police search teams – including dog handlers – were based at the entrances to the campsite and the arena. They supported the event security team.
Festival goers were warned before the event that positive action would be taken if anyone was caught carrying drugs or weapons.
Searches were a condition of entry and festival goers were asked to place any drugs or weapons in the amnesty bins provided at the entrance to the event arena. Anyone found with drugs, having not placed them into the amnesty bin, were dealt with by police.
A total of 88 people received a caution on site – the majority of these were for drugs offences. Another 29 people received a street warning for possession for cannabis.
Drugs and a number of bladed items were also seized at the search points at the entrance to the arena.
Seven thefts from tents on the festival camp site were reported to police during the event. Nine other incidents of theft – including one theft from a motor vehicle – were also reported.
There were a few problems with traffic heading to the site – with some congestion on local roads and some delays for festival goers trying to get to the site. But overall drivers listened to the advice they were given and left the M56 at junction 11 or 12 and then followed the official routes to get to the site.
Police worked closely with the organisers of the music festival to minimise the impact of the event on residents and a hotline was operated to local people could report issues.
Inspector Sarah Edgar said: “It was a very successful weekend in terms of community policing and many residents commented favourably about the presence of community officers in their villages.
“Most issues raised by residents related to noise levels and traffic issues and these concerns were passed directly back to the organisers. I was pleased to be able to speak with residents in the local area and address their concerns straight away, as I will continue to do now that the event has finished.”
Superintendent Manley added: “We wanted to make sure the event had minimal disruption for those living in the area and we want to thank residents for their co-operation.”
