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Reading and Leeds festival organiser Melvin Benn has spoken out to promise 'maximum public safety' ahead of Emimem's upcoming headline performance at the weekend.
Over the weekend, 63 fans were arrested at the rapper's show at Slane Castle in Ireland. Extra precaution was taken at the show, with concert-goers subjected to at least three searches before being allowed entry to the venue. Last week, concert promoters MCD also took out full-page ads in local press, urging fans to behave and listing a series of 'dos and don'ts' to ensure order and safety.
The last time Eminem played Reading and Leeds festival was in 2001, when the Leeds branch of the event saw a great deal of violence, crime and disorder with many arrests being made and the event being forced to move to a different location in subsequent years. Speaking to Gigwise, Festival Republic boss Melvin Benn assured that every measure was being taken to ensure public safety.
"There's no issue of safety," said Benn, "It wasn't an issue related to Eminem back then - it was due to the location and we were blighted by some very regular serial offenders.
"The plans for Reading and Leeds are absolutely scrutinised between Police and agencies and I would say that safety at Reading and Leeds is second to none."
He added: "I don't think anybody makes any more effort than we do in that side of things when it comes to protecting people."
Melvin Benn says that safety at Reading and Leeds Festival is 'second to none'
Reading & Leeds Festival takes place across August Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 22 - Sunday 25 August, with headline performances from Biffy Clyro, Eminem and Green Day as well as appearances from Foals, Deftones, Nine Inch Nails, Fall Out Boy, System Of A Down and many more. Reading tickets are completely sold out, but day and weekend tickets for Leeds are still available. For more information visit Gigwise gig tickets.
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