For years now, summer concert calendars have been packed with music festivals -- the ultimate party and concert experience all rolled into one. As is often the case at parties and concerts, recreational drugs are more than common at music festivals, however, they are far from safe. The use of narcotics is always risky, however, there are more and more organizations that wish to take risk out of the equation. After all, if festival attendees are determined to take drugs regardless of the risk, shouldn’t they do so with as much information as possible? This is the argument made by harm reduction groups intent on limiting the amount of drug-related incidents at festivals by providing testing kits and information to those who have their drugs analyzed.
In the United Kingdom, this year’s festival season has brought on a new round of debate from both anti-drug campaigners and harm reduction proponents, leading to a review of policies at festivals, especially those where previous drug-related incidents have occurred. Both Reading and Leeds Festival intend on offering drug tests through an organization called The Loop in an effort to allow users to make an informed decision. While anti-drug voices have been critical of the policy, police forces in the community have supported the movement, citing the existing use of drugs despite the law.
“We can never condone the use of illegal drugs, but we recognise that some people will continue to take them and we need to adapt our approach in the interests of public safety” - Assistant Chief Constable, Andy Battle
In British Columbia, music festivals like Shambhala have long been proponents of harm reduction techniques. Following in the philosophical footsteps of the Safe Injection site, Shambhala’s approach to security and safety at the festival features a harm reduction tent which tests samples and educates users on the risks involved in recreational drug use. While organizations like Nelson B.C.’s Aids Network Outreach and Support Society (ANKORS) continue to provide concert-goers with all the information they can, concern regarding new, more powerful drugs continues to challenge harm reduction officers.
"Fentanyl is probably one of the scariest and W18 is even scarier and I don't think it is the last one we will see either.” - Chloe Sage, Shambhala Harm Reduction Coordinator
As both dangerous drugs and harm reduction stations increase their presence at music festivals it is crucial for concert-goers to educate themselves and embrace the harm reduction movement. Whether you plan to attend a festival straight or wish to amplify the experience, you could be saving someone’s life by simply informing yourself regarding the risks you and those around you might be taking at your next concert.