Margate Dreamland Drum & Bass Festival Shut Early After Man's Death

A drum ‘n’ bass festival at Dreamland in Margate was shut down early due to a medical emergency that resulted in the death of a 21-year-old man, prompting a significant emergency services response and the safe exit of around 7,000 attendees. The closure came amid extreme heat and concerns about alcohol consumption and medical coverage, with organisers citing the weather as a key reason for the shutdown. This incident has renewed focus on crowd safety and medical preparedness at large-scale events, especially following the tragic death of 17-year-old Emily Stokes at a similar Dreamland event last year, which led to increased security measures, including strict age verification and drug policies. Despite heightened security, including metal-barrier queues, drug dogs, and pat-downs, some attendees noted the pervasive smell of cannabis and questioned the effectiveness of drug controls. Dreamland and Kent Police continue to investigate the medical incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward, while further guidance on upcoming events is awaited. The festival’s early closure highlights ongoing challenges in balancing event safety, crowd control, and environmental factors like heat during summer gatherings.