22 August 2023 , 14:41
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A child has died after falling ill at a family music festival, police confirmed today.
Police were called to Weston Park - the site of the former V-Festival - on Saturday August 19 at 12.37am to reports of the child falling ill. They were rushed to hospital but died a short time later, authorities said. The park in Staffordshire was hosting Camp Bestival, which is aimed at families including those with small children.
A Camp Bestival spokesperson pledged the festival's support to the family going forward. They said: "A child became poorly on Friday night and, after receiving immediate medical care onsite, was taken to hospital in an ambulance, where they tragically passed away. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family at this terrible time, and we will continue to support them in any way we can."
No further details about the child, including their gender or age, or more about what happened, have been disclosed by authorities at this stage. A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "We were called to Camp Bestival, Weston Park, at 12.37am on Saturday (19 August) following reports of a child who was taken ill.
"The child was treated at the scene and taken to hospital in a critical condition. Sadly, the child died a short time later. Specially-trained officers are continuing to support the child’s family and we ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult and distressing time. Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the death."
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Two events are typically held each summer - one in Staffordshire and the other at a site in Dorset. It won the Best Family Festival in 2009, 2010, 2013, and 2014 at UK Festival Awards.
This year's festival featured a range of music, comedy, theatre, games, and activities. Performers this year included Eurovision star Sam Ryder, former Spice Girl Melanie C, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and X Factor finalist Ella Henderson.
The event's website reads: "With soft play, circus skills, drum workshops, rollerskating, creative crafting, dance classes, lantern making, bushcraft, tree climbing and swing boats, there are screen-free creative kids' capers galore to fire up the imagination."