A young man died after being rushed to hospital from a drum ‘n’ bass festival at Dreamland, councillors have been told.
Visitors were told to leave the Margate Drum & Bass Festival five hours early when it was shut down after venue bosses said “it was just too hot” and medical incidents being reported at the site.
KentOnline understands a note was sent to all members of Thanet District Council by the authority’s chief executive Colin Carmichael last night.
A councillor told KentOnline that his note said: “Very sadly, a 21-year-old man was taken by blue light services from Dreamland and died at QEQM (Hospital).
“We understand that medical advisers approved the medical provisions set up by Dreamland for this event, but of course, police will carry out a proper investigation.
“We are not intending to speculate until we have the results of that.”
The death has not been confirmed by emergency services.
A police spokesperson previously said the premature finish of the event at about 5.40pm was due to a medical emergency.
Ambulance crews confirmed they had taken a man to hospital in a “very serious condition” but were unable to offer any further details when asked by KentOnline.
The sad update comes despite the venue upping its measures to protect gig-goers following the tragic death of a young woman last year.
These included a more stringent drugs policy and checks, no under 18s at such events, further training for staff – including age verification – and higher numbers of paramedics for high-risk events, as well as a no re-entry policy.
Announcing the park’s closure yesterday, Dreamland bosses said: “Sorry guys, it was just too hot today so we had to close early. Get home safely.”
It sparked a heavy police presence last night, while officers were also enforcing a dispersal order in the Thanet.
At just before 8pm, officers confirmed they had sent additional patrols to help make sure people were able to leave safely.
A forensics van was also pictured near the seafront.
Dreamland has been contacted for more information.
