What are the rules on searches?

[Neora]

So I assume there will be sniffer dogs at the festival, if the security normally search you and find nothing can they fully strip search you (like fully naked)? I don't see much about this on the website. Thanks

[Tuna]

If they have 'good reason' to search you - e.g. dog indication or other associated paraphernalia (grinder!) then they're not afraid to get you down to your pants.. and more.

[Slugworth]

I wouldn't worry too much. I doubt there will be sniffer dogs there. If you choose to take anything with you just conceal it as best as you can. I wasn't there but i heard Creamfields was a bit nazi last weekend. Expect nothing like that. Good luck.

[Tuna]

There definitely will be dogs.

[Tr234]

There definitely will be dogs.

Will they just take it off you if it is only a small amount like most other fests?

[Tuna]

I went in 2012 and those with us who were caught with stuff in their bags were strip searched and cautioned. Spoke to some lads who had to come back to the Isle of Wight for a court hearing or something too, though I don't know how much truth there is in that. Though a quick google has thrown up a couple of similar scenarios! 1 is from DrownedInSound and 2 on this website.

[smogo]

Bear in mind that the local constabulary doesn't have much else to do.

[jonodillieono]

Just volunteer for the festival, no sniffer dogs on Wednesday plus you'd be helping out the festival

[ukslim]

Bear in mind that the local constabulary doesn't have much else to do.

This.

As a result, unlike (say) Glastonbury, there's not a lot of open weed smoking at Bestival. Some, but not much.

[monkey1989]

Been to the last two never seen a dog and never been searched

[Staff_Sav]

Been to the last two never seen a dog and never been searched

I havent seen any on the gates, but i did see a big group of people inside the middle of the campsite being rounded up just after getting through the gates one year. Like people have said, the Police here have nothing better to do except increase their criminal catching stats

[ukslim]

This.

As a result, unlike (say) Glastonbury, there's not a lot of open weed smoking at Bestival. Some, but not much.

So, based on how the air smelled in the Reggae stage on Thursday night, I retract that statement.

[jonodillieono]

Just volunteer for the festival, no sniffer dogs on Wednesday plus you'd be helping out the festival

I also retract this statement, blue gate was full of police and sniffer dogs on the Wednesday.

[LondonTom]

So, based on how the air smelled in the Reggae stage on Thursday night, I retract that statement.

true that!

Seemed easier to get drugs into the arena than alcohol to