Festival goers have been warned ahead of Glastonbury after a high-strength drug was found at Parklife last weekend.
Pills known as ‘Dior’ and ‘Pop Smoke’, believed to be three times as strong as normal MDMA were found circulating at the event in Heaton Park, Manchester.
Non-profit drug checking charity The Loop said it had discovered the potentially lethal pills, which tested at between 95 and 340mg MDMA or ecstasy.
Experts say MDMA gives an initial euphoric rush, but has dangerous side effects. An overdose can lead to hospitalisation and even fatality.
Polydrug use, the use of more than one drug simultaneously or mixing substances with alcohol, can further worsen effects.
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Festival-goers who ignore rules and are found with illegal substances risk being arrested and evicted from the site.
Parklife operates a strict no drugs policy, with attendees advised: ‘Please obey the law.
Drugs are no more legal at a festival than in the outside world. Drug dealing and consumption will not be tolerated. Parklife has zero tolerance for legal highs.’
The Loop also advised revellers to be seek medical attention if they or anyone else in their group experiences ‘high body temperature, rigid muscles, excessive sweating, a racing pulse or heart, aggression, uncontrolled repetitive movements, vomiting or seizures’.
Tips for festival goers this summer
Keep hydrated
Take regular breaks
Look after yourself and others in your group
Know the signs of overdose – including high body temperature and seizures
Seek medical help if you or others develop symptoms
If taking substances, wait at least 90 minutes before redosing
It says people should stay hydrated and wait at least 90 minutes before redosing.
It added in a statement on X: ‘If planning on taking MDMA, be aware of the risks.’
People have been known to die at festivals after consuming illegal substances.
Ellie Rowe, 18, died at the 2013 Boomtown Festival in Hampshire after taking a toxic combination of ketamine and alcohol.
The teenager was volunteering for Oxfam at the festival, when a friend woke up to find her unresponsive.
Her mother, Wendy Teasdill, who lives in Glastonbury has since called for better education and more drug checks at festivals to prevent more fatalities.
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