T in the Park bosses defiant in the face of fierce criticism

THE organisers of T in the Park have defended the festival in the face of strong criticisms made by fans following this year's event.
More than 70,000 music fans attended T in the Park, held at the Strathearn Estate in Perthshire. Picture: John DevlinMore than 70,000 music fans attended T in the Park, held at the Strathearn Estate in Perthshire. Picture: John Devlin
More than 70,000 music fans attended T in the Park, held at the Strathearn Estate in Perthshire. Picture: John Devlin

Hundreds of revellers have taken to social media to share pictures and video footage of fights, drunkenness and complain about poor facilities at the site in Strathearn, Perthshire.

One Facebook page, which claims to show the “truth” of what went on at the festival, has published hundreds of negative comments from fans in the past 48 hours.

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It was set-up following accusations that negative comments were being deleted from the official T in the Park Facebook page.

Many complaints centre on the campsite, which was plagued by mud following downpours on Saturday and Sunday, and the behaviour of some revellers.

One comment said: “The site is a shambles. Wasted the festival yet again. Can’t control the minority - all about the money.”

But festival bosses have insisted such Facebook pages offer a distorted view of the event, insisting that the majority of feedback received was “positive”.

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T in the Park enjoyed warm sunshine on Friday as The Courteeners played the main stage, but rain arrived by Saturday. Picture: John Devlin/TSPLT in the Park enjoyed warm sunshine on Friday as The Courteeners played the main stage, but rain arrived by Saturday. Picture: John Devlin/TSPL
T in the Park enjoyed warm sunshine on Friday as The Courteeners played the main stage, but rain arrived by Saturday. Picture: John Devlin/TSPL

A spokeswoman for T in the Park said: “Police Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service have both praised the behaviour of the audience and although we’d be happier if crime levels were at zero, the fact that they have been reduced this year, is welcome.

“We’ve put a huge amount of work into the new site layout and the new traffic management plan and the feedback from fans, the local community and the multi-agency team we work with to deliver the event has been hugely positive.

“The bus station was cleared within 1.5 hours of the arena closing each night and our excellent weather contingency plans meant that traffic also flowed well in and out of car parks.”

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Police Scotland’s day commander for T in the Park, Superintendent Conrad Trickett, said that “in general” the event was good natured with festival goers “well behaved and enjoying themselves”.

T in the Park enjoyed warm sunshine on Friday as The Courteeners played the main stage, but rain arrived by Saturday. Picture: John Devlin/TSPLT in the Park enjoyed warm sunshine on Friday as The Courteeners played the main stage, but rain arrived by Saturday. Picture: John Devlin/TSPL
T in the Park enjoyed warm sunshine on Friday as The Courteeners played the main stage, but rain arrived by Saturday. Picture: John Devlin/TSPL

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of two teenagers who were found dead at the campsite in the early hours of Friday morning.

The deaths of Peter MacCallum, 17, from Lochgilphead, and Megan Bell, 17, from County Durham, are not being treated as suspicious.