Cumbria Police have thanked its partners after a successful Kendal Calling 2024 festival.

14 arrests were made onsite over the course of the four-day weekend, with the majority of festival goers enjoying the event safely.

Superintendent Matt Pearman said: “I’d like to thank the vast majority of festival goers who enjoyed themselves responsibly over the course of the four days at Lowther Deer Park.

“We worked closely with event organisers and other partner agencies throughout the festival to ensure those who attended the festival were kept safe from harm.”

Officers took a proactive approach to prevent illegal drugs entering the site and to keep people safe.

The work conducted to prevent drugs entering the site was complimented by the placing of a number of drugs amnesty bins, where those with illegal drugs were able to safely dispose of them.

The vast majority of crimes recorded related to drug offences as a result of  the positive approach by officers and event organisers.

Any victims of crimes have been offered safeguarding and support and any crimes identified are being investigated.

Supt Pearman continued: “Officers carried out a lot of preventative activity over the weekend and I’d like to thank our dog section, handler colleagues and other officers who worked diligently with event security staff throughout the weekend to reduce the volume of illegal substances brought onto site which could have had serious or even fatal consequences.

“We did make a number of arrests, however the number of those involved in crime at the festival was extremely low in comparison to the large volume of people who attended.

“Kendal Calling is a major event in the calendar for Cumbria Police so I’d like to say thank you to all of our partners and to all the officers and staff who worked tirelessly and efficiently throughout the event and during the planning to make Kendal Calling 2024 a successful event.”

The weekend saw big names such as Declan McKenna, Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds, The Streets and Paolo Nutini take to the stage.

“Cumbria is no stranger to big events – we not only host Kendal Calling, the Cumberland Show and Westmorland Show etc but this year had a number of events all on one incredible day (June 8 – Dave’s Day, Appleby Fair, Great North Swim and a demonstration at the Coal Mine site) – so our Police and emergency service responders understand the need for forward planning and pro-active policing to ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves in a safe and secure manner. To be clear though – if you come to Cumbria and break the law – you will be caught and you will face the consequences”.

“Well done to the Constabulary for their work around Kendal Calling and thank you to the organisers of this fabulous festival for working with us and the other agencies involved to ensure that everyone in attendance is as safe as possible.

“I have had a great start to my term of office as Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner and am genuinely impressed by the professionalism I see – I look forward to seeing what next year brings.”