Police Share Travel and Safety Guidance Ahead of Latitude Festival

As the highly anticipated Latitude Festival approaches, taking place from July 24 to July 27, 2025, Suffolk Police have issued essential travel and safety advice for the thousands of festival-goers expected to attend. This major music and arts event draws large crowds, and authorities are keen to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Suffolk Police have highlighted that thefts from tents are the most common crime at festivals. Valuable items such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and cash are particularly at risk. Officers advise festival-goers to remain vigilant, especially on the first night when many attendees are settling in and may inadvertently leave their belongings unguarded.

In terms of travel, police anticipate significant delays along the A12 near Henham, where traffic may be slow-moving due to the influx of festival-goers. To mitigate potential travel disruptions, authorities recommend that drivers allocate extra time for their journey and consider alternate routes if possible.

As part of their safety initiative, police have provided a series of practical tips to enhance security during the festival. These include:

– Following guidance from stewards and security personnel while on-site.
– Staying close to friends and looking out for one another.
– Moderating alcohol consumption, especially in warm weather, to ensure personal safety.
– Avoiding solitary encounters with unfamiliar individuals.
– Familiarizing oneself with the festival layout, including the locations of toilets and security staff.

Additionally, attendees are encouraged to utilize the on-site property storage tent, which operates 24 hours a day for keeping valuables secure.

Superintendent Matt Bodmer emphasized the festival’s community spirit, stating, “Latitude is a wonderful community festival and our main goal is to keep people safe. Our officers will be on hand if needed, and you can share any concerns you have with them or event stewards.” He also invited attendees to engage positively with police, reinforcing their role in ensuring a good time for all.

To bolster security, Suffolk Police will deploy officers trained to recognize subtle signs of criminal behavior as part of Operation Servator. This strategy has been implemented across the UK to enhance public safety at large events.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, noting, “We are very lucky to have one of the country’s major festivals right here on our doorstep—great for the economy and for showcasing our beautiful county.”

With these precautionary measures in place, authorities hope to create a secure environment for festival attendees to enjoy the rich array of performances and activities Latitude Festival has to offer.