Cancelled Hardwell gig to go ahead in Edinburgh

A DJ gig cancelled earlier this year due to safety concerns is to go ahead later with increased security.
DJ Hardwell (real name Robbert van de Corput) at Coachella. Picture: Drew ResslerDJ Hardwell (real name Robbert van de Corput) at Coachella. Picture: Drew Ressler
DJ Hardwell (real name Robbert van de Corput) at Coachella. Picture: Drew Ressler

The City of Edinburgh Council had suspended the licence for the DJ Hardwell show at the Royal Highland Showground at Ingliston in February, the day after more than 100 youngsters were treated by medics at his gig in Belfast.

Eighteen people were hospitalised in what was described as a “mass underage drinking binge”.

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Police have been working with organisers, the council and other emergency services to prepare for the 11,000-capacity gig, which runs from 6pm today to 4am.

High-visibility patrols will take place in and around the venue during the gig and a number of plain-clothes officers will also be in attendance to “deter and detect criminal activity”, police said.

There are to be searches for everyone prior to entry to the show and sniffer dogs will be used to check for drugs and legal highs.

Chief Inspector Graham McInarlin said: “Our message for tonight is clear, we want everyone to have a great night and enjoy the music and carnival atmosphere but to ensure they do not behave in a manner which puts themselves or others in danger.

“We will have large numbers of officers and other resources in place at the event to assist stewarding staff who will be on the lookout for anyone trying to bring drugs, alcohol or weapons into the event.

“If you are found to be in possession of any illegal or dangerous items they will be seized; you will be refused entry and may face arrest.

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“The organisers have included the terms of admission on their website and the ticket and I would urge that the public ensure they are familiar with these prior to arriving at the gig.”

Dutch DJ Hardwell was named the world’s number one DJ in the 2013 DJ Mag top 100.

In a post on Twitter yesterday, the DJ said: “Stoked for @IamHardwell Edinburgh tomorrow!”

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