Statement on Leeds Festival Drug Testing

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said:

“Leeds City Council did not refuse to support drugs testing facilities being made available at this year’s Leeds Festival.

“The idea was discussed with Festival Republic by a group that advises on safety at public events, comprising the council, police and other partners such as third sector agencies. Everyone including Festival Republic had a chance to speak and a wide range of views were expressed.

“This is not a decision making body, and Festival Republic said they would take into account what had been said before deciding on whether to submit a formal application. A decision was subsequently taken by Festival Republic to not move ahead with the plan.

“The group did resolve to revisit the issue taking into account possible consultation in plenty of time for next year.”