Bedfordshire Police prepares for busy bank holiday weekend

Final preparations are underway at Bedfordshire Police for what is set to be an exciting and eventful weekend in the county.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend, which begins tomorrow (Friday), will bring more than 100,000 people to Stockwood Park in Luton across the three-day festival, while Luton Carnival is expected to attract crowds to the town centre on Monday (27 May).

Detailed planning over the last months has been carried out to ensure that these two major events run smoothly and that attendees are kept safe.

Additional police resources will be deployed to manage the influx of people in the town and enable a quick and effective response to any issues.

Road closures will also be in place at various times across the county over the weekend to maintain a safe environment for residents and event goers. We strongly advise Luton residents to allow extra time for journeys across the weekend and take public transport where possible.

For more information about road closures, please visit Luton Borough Council’s website.

Remaining vigilant can be key to ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you. Make sure you stick together and get home safely, either with your group or in a taxi. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so sensibly.

Chief Superintendent David Boyle, leading operations over the weekend, said: “This weekend is an opportunity to showcase the vibrant community spirit of Luton, and we will do all we can to make sure people can celebrate safely.

"We will continue working closely with the organisers and our partners to make sure all attendees and residents are protected and can have an enjoyable weekend. Please do not be alarmed or concerned by the increased police presence in the area.

"We also want to remind all members of the public to stay alert. If you see anything suspicious or concerning, please report via 101 or call 999 in an emergency."

Go to our website page for more advice on how to stay safe over the bank holiday and at events throughout the summer.