ESSEX Police are asking people to enjoy themselves but to act responsibly as the Eastern Electrics and Maiden Voyage festivals make their debut at the Lee Valley Showground, Waltham Abbey.

Up to 15,000 people are expected to attend Eastern Electrics on Saturday 28 August, and another 15,000 are expected at Maiden Voyage on Sunday 29 August.

Event organiser Columbo Star is responsible for safety and security on site during the festivals.

They have been working closely with Epping Forest District Council, Essex Police, Hertfordshire Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service to ensure the event is safe.

Essex Police and Hertfordshire Police also have plans in place to respond to any incidents that may require a police response and there will be officers near showground.

Superintendent Craig Saunders said: “We’ve worked with partners to be satisfied that Columbo Star has a robust security plan in place to ensure the highest standards of public safety.

“As with any large event, we also have a policing plan in place to ensure troublemakers do not spoil the event for the majority of people attending, or cause disruption to the local community.

“We want festival-goers to enjoy themselves, look out for one another and be safe.

“But anyone intent on committing crime or disorder will be dealt with robustly.”

If you experience crime or see something that concerns you, please either approach a member of the security team.

Alternatively, speak to police officers outside the site, or contact Essex Police via https://www.essex.police.uk where you can speak to an online operator at between 7am-11pm.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

To help you stay as safe as possible we are issuing the following advice:

* Keep your cash, cards and car keys safe at all times and avoid using back pockets though – they are more easily targeted by pick pockets.
* Try not to walk around with your mobile phone, camera or other expensive items on show – take them out of your bag when you need them and put them back in when you’ve finished using them.
* Pay attention to what’s going on around you and stick together.
* Enjoy a few drinks but know your limits and don’t make yourself vulnerable by drinking more than you can handle. Alcohol impairs your judgment and can make you a more vulnerable target.
* Keep your phone battery charged in case you need to contact your friends and at night, stick together, avoid wandering off and stick to well-lit busy walkways.