Organisers respond after Highest Point festival security backlash

While many people appeared to have a fantastic time at Lancaster’s Highest Point festival, which took place earlier this month, some have criticised the security company, Titan Risk Management Limited.

However, a spokesperson said they have only received a “handful” of official complaints and “have generally had lots of great feedback” after the festival this year.

One festival goer, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke to the Lancashire Telegraph about security at the festival.

She attended the Williamson Park festival on three evenings with her husband and two children.

She said: “I don’t think anyone is disputing it wasn't an easy task for the security team given that it was extremely busy.

“From what I witnessed multiple times was under-trained, power hungry, security guards who were overly aggressive, confrontational and man-handling people unnecessarily.

“When challenged about their behaviour by those around them they would become threatening and make up excuses as to why they were doing what they were doing.

“On more than one occasion I saw minors being man-handled from the festival and young girls crying.

“There was nothing defensive about their actions. In my opinion, they are there to keep people safe and uphold the rules of the festival not antagonise and cause festival goers to feel unsafe.
“Being a seasoned festival goer with my family I’ve never witnessed behaviour like it from security staff… they certainly brought the integrity of the festival into disrepute.”

Other festival goers posted their experiences to Facebook.

One said: “Our experience on the Friday going in wasn’t great. I saw a group of them assaulting a 17 year old. I’m talking giving him proper punches.”

Another person said: “What I witnessed on Friday upon entering was disgusting behaviour and not appropriate.”

A second Facebook commenter said: “The attitude of one of the staff at entrance Friday left a lot to be desired.

“He was so rude to me for no reason. Barked at me, made me take bag off.”

Another said: “Security was rude and out of order need to get better qualified.”

“I wasn't happy with them physically frisking my 14 year old son as well as pulling him over to be sniffed on entry,” said another.

However, others said there weren’t any issues with security.

One person said: “I only went on Thursday and witnessed no problems at all with security.”

A second Facebook user said: “Shame to see all of this as my experience there saw a different side to it.

“I thought they were on the ball and very much doing their job. A shame the minority ruined it for the whole team.” 

“Wow cannot believe the comments for this years’ festival,” said another.

“I went last year and security were on it and friendly. We went just for the music we don't drink, we were happy sitting and listening to the music.

“I can't believe some stories on here - sorry for those individuals. It should be all about music and nothing else.”

A Lancaster based company with a similar name issued a statement this week saying they have received “a few messages” regarding incidents that took place at the festival.

However, they are not the company behind these incidents.

They said: “We unfortunately have had a few messages regarding incidents that took place at Highest Point in Lancaster.

“Firstly I'd like to clarify, this year our company had no involvement in highest point in any way shape or form. The company involved is a company called titan security in Leeds (nothing to do with us).

“Maybe next year they will have a local team that can supply their needs. I know they had a few local companies involved who did amazing who I've heard nothing but great things about.

“Please feel free to drop us a message or even the highest point team and I'm sure we can both direct you into the company to which your complaints can be dealt with properly.”

Highest Point festival in Lancaster

Rich Dyer, Co-founder of the Festival, said: “The safety of those who attend the festival each year is our utmost priority, and we work closely with our security team to provide the best experience possible for our guests.

“We have generally had lots of great feedback this year after making improvements to the security on-site, but we have had a handful of complaints which are being investigated with all of the evidence available to us, which includes CCTV footage and body cams. 

“We work closely with Lancashire Police and are set to have a full debrief with both them and our security teams, to look at how we continue to improve the festival experience going forwards.

“If anyone would like to make a formal complaint I ask that they contact me directly on Rich@highestpoint.co.uk.”