For parents/guardians
We know it can be nerve-wracking when your young person is heading to a festival on their own. We hope these tips will help your peace of mind. And please see the Full List of Resources below, to put your mind at ease that there are plenty of people onsite looking out for your young person:
There is a dedicated drop off/pick up area.
Make sure they have all the essentials before they head off: ticket, money, IDs, comfortable footwear, water bottle. It is always a good idea to have warm clothing and bedding if they are a weekend camper.
Suncream and hats will be a life saver in a heatwave!
Make sure they can stick with their mates and have a meeting point in case they do get separated.
Make sure they know how to pace themselves if they are over 18 and will be drinking alcohol: plenty of water, food and a safe space to hang out. Remind them that there is no safe way to take drugs and they will be refused entry or ejected if found with them.
However, if they or their friends do have a bad experiences with substances, we encourage them to go to a Welfare or Medical tent as soon possible and be honest with our staff.
They will not get in trouble and will be given the right care. Please watch this video created by our local partners, Brighter Futures:
Full list of Safeguarding and Wellbeing Resources Airhubs (24hrs)
The AIR Hubs across our campsites at Leeds Festival. They will provide a facility over and above the existing security and stewarding teams situated in multiple locations in and amongst the camping areas. AIR is an acronym for ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION & RESPONSE and we will be working with local community groups and charities to run these hubs for us, with the support of our existing safeguarding and welfare partners at the festival. The groups involved with the Leeds AIR Hubs to date are Age UK, Festival Angels, People matters, SSafe, Hot Box, Oxfam and Andys man Club. There are multiple around the festival site, meaning you will never be too far away from a friendly face or listening ear when in the campsites. Air Hubs will be open 24 hours in all campsites, from Wednesday through to Monday morning.
Brook Advisory (9am to 6pm, Friday -Sunday)– located in The Village
Brook will be offering judgment-free sexual health advice as well as free condoms at our festival.
Ask for Angela – At any bar or any member of staff in a bright tabard
Approach a member of staff and ask for ‘Angela’ if you feel uncomfortable and need discreet help getting out of a situation.
Salvation Army (24hrs) – located in The Village
The Salvation Army have volunteered at Leeds Festival for decades, providing emotional and practical support for festival goers at their popular tea tent
Samaritans (24hrs)– located at The Village
The volunteer team are expertly trained at listening and providing comfort to those in need.
Medical: Village Medical Centre (24 hours), you can find it next to the main arena entrance
Arena medical (11am – midnight), on the right before the Main Stage field.
Staff at the medical centre are fully qualified medics who are experienced in working at festivals. The centre is equipped to deal with everything from cuts and bruises to major trauma and cardiac arrest. They also operate an on-site pharmacy. Provided by Elite EMS.
Welfare Arena – (11am to midnight) – Next to Medical (iTHINC)
The Village – (24hrs) Opposite football field
Orange Campsite – (24hrs) Next to orange campsite toilets
Green Campsite – (24hrs) Next door to AIR hub
If you are struggling with any mental health concerns, having a bad experience with substances or other people then come and see our Welfare team who offer confidential support and a place to stay for however long you need.
UK Narcotics Anonymous– Village
Friday-Sunday: 12am-11pm, 3 meetings
Narcotics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. At Leeds, you can drop into their tent for a chat and attend scheduled meetings.
New for 2024- Alcoholics Anonymous
Friday- Sunday 12am-11pm 3 daily meetings to support those to maintain an alcohol free life at Leeds Festival
Security Security are trained to keep you safe.
You can report issues to them and they can radio for the correct assistance.
West Yorkshire Police
We will be working alongside police officers throughout the festival to ensure everyone attending can have a good time and stay safe. Officers are specially trained and are ready to respond to any incidents quickly. Please feel free to say hello and stop them for a chat if you see them out and about.