Free glowsticks aim to keep T in the Park revellers safe
Last updated | 03/07/2008
A bright idea aims to keep revellers safe at this year's T in the Park festival.
Perth and Kinross Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is leading a project that will give away thousands of free glowsticks bearing an important safety message to festival-goers.
The glowsticks are designed to encourage responsible behaviour and display the message "Partying Hard? Stay Safe" along with a website address for further information about the risks of using drugs and alcohol.
People who visit the advice website www.safe-drink-drugs.com will be asked to complete a brief survey, which will automatically enter them into a prize draw to win a pair of free weekend camping tickets for T in the Park 2009.
The project is being carried out in partnership with West Lothian DAAT and the Scottish Association of Ancohol and Drug Action Teams (SAADAT).
The results of the survey will be used to influence future SAADAT activity at music festivals and other large-scale events. Key trends in drinking behaviour and drug use amongst festival-goers will be highlighted and inform future policy making for alcohol and drug information and prevention work.
Peer educators aged between 18-25 will be distributing the glowsticks at the festival, being held at Balado, Kinross-shire from 11-13 July. The event will attract around 160,000 people over the weekend.
They will also be giving out advice on alcohol and drug use, and top safety tips for the weekend.
Perth and Kinross DAAT will have an information tent on the site, where glowsticks and information will be given out. Free sunscreen will also be available to festival-goers.
Ian Smillie, of Perth and Kinross DAAT, said: "T in the Park draws huge amounts of people from all over the country.
"We are using the free glowsticks as a way of engaging festival-goers in a positive way and providing them with key safety tips for staying safe throughout the weekend."
