MORE than 100 crimes were reported during Creamfields 2021, with dozens arrested during the festival.

The festival returned to Daresbury over the August bank holiday weekend after last year’s event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cheshire Police say that a total of 106 criminal offences – must of which were drug-related – were reported during the weekend, with 29 festivalgoers arrested.

A further 27 suspects could face prosecution over alleged offences, having been removed from the site.

But the force has thanked the majority of law-abiding attendees.

Superintendent Simon Parsonage, who led the policing operation for Creamfields 2021, said: “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the vast majority of festivalgoers for their cooperation and their behaviour on their return to enjoying a big music event and for all the agencies that worked together so well throughout.

“At its peak, almost 70,000 people attended and considering the numbers it's fair to say that crime and levels of disorder were low.

“People were in good spirits, clearly revelling in the opportunity to enjoy events of this nature again after previous cancellations because of the pandemic.

“This year, we had an increased presence with officers from Project Servator in attendance – this team’s aim was to disrupt a range of criminal activity while providing a reassuring presence for the public.”

Project Servator is a national operation that works with partner agencies to protect the public and disrupt criminals.

Superintendent Parsonage added: “We recognised that dance festivals of this nature tend to be associated with increased prevalence of drugs and by working with other agencies in the run-up and during the weekend we have sought to address this.”

“We had in place a clear surrender policy followed by targeted searches at all entrances.”

Cheshire police and crime commissioner John Dwyer said: “Creamfields is one of the biggest events we host here in Cheshire, and although a small minority of people didn’t adhere to the rules it was great to see the event ran well.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who were involved in policing the event.

“It’s nice to see more normality returning as the UK continues to navigate through the coronavirus pandemic.”