The annual Bournville Village Festival was cut short by organisers concerned for the safety of attendees, following reports of an assault and two people spotted with weapons.
Following a successful event attended by thousands of all ages, the festival site was evacuated and closed down by event security before 10pm.
West Midlands Police confirmed that officers had attended following reports of two people with weapons being spotted within the site and a reported assault on a teenager. Event security removed a large group of people who were believed to have caused a disorder.
However, concerned for the safety of those in attendance, festival organisers made the difficult decision to shut down the event early, leaving thousands awaiting the customary closing firework display disappointed.
A statement from the Bournville Festival Committee on the festival Facebook page read: “It was with great reluctance that we felt we had to cut the Festival short this evening.
“Sadly the behaviour of a small number of people placed the safety of festival attendees at serious risk.
“As we are responsible for the safety of everyone who attends the only option was to clear the grounds.
“We are as frustrated and upset as anyone that what had been a wonderful festival was denied a fitting finale with the fireworks.
“We are deeply sorry for those of you who feel let down, but the decision was made purely with safety in mind.”
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “We received a call from security staff at Bournville Lane Festival to reports that two people had been spotted with weapons.
“Officers attended and carried out a joint walk through of the event alongside security staff.
“A teenager reported being assaulted following a disorder. A large group of people believed to have caused disorder were swiftly ejected from the event by security.
‘The security team for the event took the decision to evacuate the site and close the event early. This decision was not made by police.
“An investigation into the assault has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Please quote reference: 20/551938/23
Cover image: Festival goers leave after Bournville Festival closed down by security | Andrew Burns