POLICE say they have seized a ‘substantial quantity’ of class A, B and C drugs at Creamfields ahead of the first day.

The UK’s biggest dance music festival is taking place in Daresbury over the bank holiday weekend, with 70,000 music fans to descend for the event between Thursday and Sunday.

Cheshire Police says it is working alongside organisers to ensure that everyone attending stays safe, including searches of the site in advance of the festival starting.

This has seen specialist officers recover a substantial quantity of nitrous oxide and class A and B drugs, with searches to continue in the run-up to the event.

Officers say policing the festival is a ‘considerable undertaking’, with pre-event disruption work hoping to ease the burden.

During the festival, officers will be supporting Creamfields event and security staff and providing a visible presence to prevent incidents of crime and disorder from occurring.

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The operation extends beyond the festival site’s borders too, with a particular focus on supporting neighbours and trying to minimise the impact of the festival as much as possible.

Cheshire Police is also supporting Creamfields with its plans to deter trespassing and keep people safe once the festival comes to an end.

There will be an increased police presence, working in collaboration with Creamfields’ security, who will be enforcing trespassing laws and swiftly addressing any breaches of security.

Officers will also be in and around the area speaking to people about the dangers of trespassing after the event has finished.

Superintendent Sarah Heath said: “As with previous years, a great deal of time and effort has gone into planning for this event to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for what is the biggest event that we help to police in Cheshire.

“Our main aim is to ensure the safety of festivalgoers and support the community. I know that most people who will attend will enjoy the event responsibly.

Preparation is well underway for CreamfieldsPreparation is well underway for Creamfields (Image: Newsquest)

“The event organisers have a range of security measures in place such as searches before being granted entry and drug dogs are in attendance.

“Amnesty bins are also in place at entrance points of the site for prohibited items, and anyone who does not use these bins but is found to be in possession of drugs or weapons will be dealt with.

“We would also like to remind anyone attending that nitrous oxide is now a class C drug, making possession and sale for recreational purposes a criminal offence.

“If you are caught trying to smuggle any drugs into the festival, you will be prosecuted – and the impact of that is long-lasting.

“As demonstrated by the substantial quantity of drugs we have already found by carrying out searches of the site, we are committed to staying one step ahead of those who choose to commit these types of offences.

“Our disruption work is not just focused on the event itself, but continues both before and after the festival, so there really is nowhere to hide.

“We will also not accept any criminal behaviour that poses a risk to event attendees, staff or the wider community during or after the event.

“We will be working hard, alongside Creamfields, to make sure everyone can enjoy the festival safely and respectfully.”

To report a non-emergency incident at Creamfields, visit cheshire.police.uk or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Residents can find out more information about the event and how it could impact them at creamfieldsnorth.com/residents

Concerns can be raised with the festival organisers by calling 0207 6888 900.