Waltham Abbey: Return of Eastern Electrics and Maiden Voyage festivals

UPDATE: Monday 28 August

We’d like to thank everyone who helped to ensure two large music festivals passed off safely at the Lee Valley Showground in Waltham Abbey.

Nearly 30,000 people attended the Eastern Electrics and Maiden Voyage festivals over the weekend, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August.

Event organiser Columbo Star – which was responsible for safety and security on site - worked closely with Epping Forest District Council, Essex Police, Hertfordshire Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service to ensure the event was safe.

Essex Police and Hertfordshire Police also had plans in place to respond to any incidents that may have needed a police response and patrolled outside the showground.

Across the two days, we made two arrests, one for a drugs offence and one related to driving under the influence outside the grounds.

Both were bailed pending further investigation.

Ch/Insp Tina Cooper, Epping Forest district commander, said:

“A huge amount of planning and working with partners across the area preceded these events, ensuring we were ready to keep them running smoothly across both days.
“We were all keen to ensure people could get to and from the venue safely and enjoy the music without it being spoiled by any troublemakers.
“We were also keen to minimise disruption to the local community.
“Very few crimes were reported to us, which meant the vast majority of festival goers could enjoy the performances safely and trouble-free.
“Columbo Star, the council and emergency services had worked closely together to ensure a robust security plan was in place and I’d like to thank all those involved for their support in helping to ensure the event was a safe one.”

Friday 25 August

We’re asking people to enjoy themselves but to act responsibly as the Eastern Electrics and Maiden Voyage festivals return to the Lee Valley Showground, Waltham Abbey.

Up to 15,000 people are expected to attend Eastern Electrics on Saturday 26 August, and another 15,000 are expected at Maiden Voyage on Sunday 27 August.

Event organiser Columbo Star is responsible for safety and security on site during the festivals.

They have been working closely with Epping Forest District Council, Essex Police, Hertfordshire Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service to ensure the event is safe.

Essex Police and Hertfordshire Police also have plans in place to respond to any incidents that may require a police response and there will be officers near showground.

Detective Superintendent Scott Egerton said:

“We’ve worked with partners to be satisfied that the organiser has a robust security plan in place to ensure the highest standards of public safety.
“As with any large event, we also have a policing plan in place to ensure troublemakers do not spoil the event for the majority of people attending, or cause disruption to the local community.
“We want festival-goers to enjoy themselves, look out for one another and be safe.
“But anyone intent on committing crime or disorder will be dealt with robustly.”

The organisers have a community hotline in place for residents who want to report any concerns or issues, available for free by calling 0333 242 0050.

A road closure will be in place on the A121 from Waltham Cross roundabout to Highbridge Retail Park for eastbound traffic on Saturday and Sunday.

For further information on road closures and the impact on public transport, visit easternelectrics.com/ee/community-page and maiden-voyage.co.uk/community-page/

If you experience crime or see something that concerns you while at the festivals, please approach a member of the on-site security team.

Alternatively, speak to police officers outside the site, or contact Essex Police via https://www.essex.police.uk where you can speak to an online operator at between 7am-11pm.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

To help you stay as safe as possible we are issuing the following advice:

• Keep your cash, cards and car keys safe at all times and avoid using back pockets though - they are more easily targeted by pick pockets.
• Try not to walk around with your mobile phone, camera or other expensive items on show - take them out of your bag when you need them and put them back in when you've finished using them.
• Pay attention to what's going on around you and stick together.
• Enjoy a few drinks but know your limits and don't make yourself vulnerable by drinking more than you can handle. Alcohol impairs your judgment and can make you a more vulnerable target. 
• Keep your phone battery charged in case you need to contact your friends and at night, stick together, avoid wandering off and stick to well-lit busy walkways.

Did you know we have a few different ways you can contact us?

If you would like to report a non-emergency crime, antisocial behaviour, or give us information, you can report online or by use our Live Chat service.

To find out more about our different reporting services, 999 BSL and much more visit our Help Us Help You page.