Bunkfest returns to Wallingford on Friday, September 4, and Thames Valley Police has already moved to shape how the weekend runs. Neighbourhood officers will patrol the event throughout the weekend, while attendees are being told to travel, carry and group themselves more carefully than they might at an ordinary local outing.
“The countdown is on, and we're looking forward to seeing Wallingford come alive with fantastic music, great food, brilliant company and plenty of community spirit.” A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said the force wants people to enjoy the free festival in Oxfordshire without creating preventable problems in the crowd.
Wallingford and Thames Valley Police
“Our officers and staff from a number of local Thames Valley Police teams will be patrolling throughout the event all weekend.” That presence matters because the festival is described as a community occasion, but large crowds also create room for opportunistic thieves to work quickly and quietly.
Police advice is built around that risk. Attendees are being told to keep belongings close, not leave personal items unattended, keep an eye on drinks and drink responsibly, stick with friends or groups, and check that everyone got home safely.
The Festival Shop on Kine Croft
Event organisers have also set out a simple place for the practical aftercare that follows a crowded weekend. Lost property should be handed in to or sought at The Festival Shop on the Kine Croft, which gives families and groups one clear stop if bags, phones or other items go missing during the festival.
Families can also pick up free waterproof wristbands for children from The Festival Shop on the Kine Croft. That small step gives parents a quicker way to reconnect with a child if a group splits in a crowd.
Sunday, September 6
“We're there to help everyone enjoy themselves safely, so don't be afraid to come and say hello if you see us out and about.” Thames Valley Police is also telling people to plan their journey home in advance, charge phones before going out and be prepared for the weather, three basics that usually get ignored until the last act is over and everyone is trying to leave at once.
“Most importantly, have fun, support the fantastic local organisers, and enjoy everything BunkFest has to offer.” Bunkfest is scheduled to finish on Sunday, September 6, and anyone heading in this weekend now has the practical checklist: travel plan, charged phone, watched belongings and a clear meeting point for children and lost property.
