Exhausted festival-goers “collapsed” after long queues led to crowds pushing through security gates at a local festival.
Videos and photos on social media appear to show a rush through the gates and a huge queue of people trying to get into We Are FSTVL.
Some ticketholders reported they left the site without getting into the event.
The two-day festival has been held at Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Upminster since 2013.
Eyewitnesses say a lack of wristbands meant that people had to queue in hot temperatures – which led to people charging past staff and into the event.
Organisers went online to apologise for the problems – which led to hundreds of angry responses from people who had paid for access.
We apologise for the delay in getting in, but can assure you we are doing this as fast and safely as possible.
The gates are meant to close at 4pm, but will be keeping the gates open until everyone is let in 😎 #WeAre2019
— We Are FSTVL (@wearefstvl) May 25, 2019
Lady almost died in queue because of wait :((((((((( pic.twitter.com/FiK9F2m4uS
— domm (@dom_stowell) May 25, 2019
They’re doing everything they can 😎😎😎 people r fainting but they’re trying their best 😎😎😎😎😎
— Matilda (@MatildaW3) May 25, 2019
Didn’t pay for half a festival
— Liam (@L1amcf) May 25, 2019
Not good enough!! Get ppl in faster, we’re all getting crushed
— ♑ AG (@its_me_agx) May 25, 2019
Then how have we only walked 20 steps in 2 hours?
— Faye (@fayeholls) May 25, 2019
People are fainting in front of us in the queue, no access to water and waits of over 2 hours. Not just unsafe to have queues like this but I think you forget we are all paying customers.
— o⚽️ (@eoinfraser) May 25, 2019
the conditions you are making people queue in are outrageous. Nothing less than treating people like animals
— Josie (@JosieCollins21) May 25, 2019
Organisers have not yet responded to a request for comment.
