[Music Week] AIF Festival Congress debates landmark drugs testing service
The pioneering drugs testing service offered at two UK independent festivals this summer was brought back under the spotlight at this year’s Festival Congress.
This summer, Secret Garden Party became the first UK festival to trial the testing of drugs onsite. Around 200 patrons used the multi-agency safety testing (MAST) facility, which was brokered in agreement with the local police and council. Festival-goers were offered the tests as part of a 10-minute package of health and safety advice provided by drug harm reduction operation The Loop.