Organizers reinstate in/out privileges after Thursday’s rowdy crowd
Bluesfest has reinstated in/out privileges for its patrons for the duration of the festival, with officials saying they are “not anticipating the same level of demand for emergency services this weekend.”
Security issues arose during Thursday evening ’s appearance by Atlanta rappers Migos. The show was delayed 30 minutes while long lines of festivalgoers made their way through the gates. Several longtime Bluesfest patrons reported being searched extensively for weapons or drugs before entering the grounds.
“That seemed to build up the frustration from the outset,” said one.
When fans made their way onto the grounds, several groups of predominantly young men were seen pushing their way to the front of the crowd — space already occupied by young people who had camped out early in the prime spot.
Security pulled several young girls from the crush of the crowd during the performance, and several fans were struck by bottles and cans sent sailing through the crowd.
Meanwhile, contracted security guards were kept busy at the gates, where several groups of people were seen crashing the secure fences around the Canadian War Museum.
At least one guard was struck by rocks hurled by people who were chased off the grounds or denied entry, while several people were led away by police, though no criminal charges were laid.
The festival’s organizing team, and executives with Toersa security met Friday with first responders to review the events that unfolded Thursday. The festival said while it will reinstate the in/out privileges that were restricted Thursday in anticipation of the mayhem that ensued, organizers “will be well prepared in any event.”
Officials said on-site security teams, the Canadian Ski Patrol, paramedics and police “faced a challenging situation” Thursday, and commended first responders “for their hard work under these conditions …
“Ongoing discussions will take place during the post-festival period to review this year’s safety protocols and to make plans for next year, ensuring that Bluesfest is a safe event for its patrons,” the festival stated Friday.
Several other issues arose long after the music ended, with several Centretown residents taking to social media with unsavoury snapshots of festivalgoers relieving themselves on private property along Booth Street.
Chris Cobb, a former Citizen journalist who quite literally wrote the book on Bluesfest, was at the festival Thursday, but quickly departed the main grounds for the Bluesville tent while his son and daughter took in the Migos show (and left unscathed).
He said the crowd crush is not unique to Thursday’s show — there have been uncomfortable crowds with big-name headliners in festivals past. And while shows at hockey arenas or stadiums are usually easier to police, crowds at outdoor festivals tend to adopt a code of conduct — one Bluesfest attempts to enforce.
“It’s bound to happen when you get so many people together, especially young people and they’re consuming alcohol or whatever, and they’re probably not familiar with festival etiquette,” said Cobb. “Violence has no place at a public gathering such as this, especially when it’s directed at people who are just doing their jobs. It’s true that Bluesfest has had its strained and uncomfortable episodes with crowds down the years, but in my experience the atmosphere has always been peaceful and good-natured.”
Paramedics said they assessed 200 concertgoers Thursday for intoxication, some opiate overdoses and several reported sexual assaults. Ten people were sent to hospital, none with serious injuries. Six of those were under 18 and sent to CHEO.
This is not the first encounter with rowdy fans for Migos on the Canadian leg of their tour.
Earlier this week at a Migos concert in Quebec City, several people were arrested after rowdy concertgoers reportedly caused several problems, including fence-hopping, firecrackers being lit in the crowd and beer cans being thrown.