Zero Tolerance Policy
Bloodstock believes everyone should feel safe during the festival. We will help maintain this by not tolerating harmful behaviours, which may include non-consensual touching or verbal harassment. If a participant chooses to break these policies they may be removed from the festival. If someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, no matter how minor it may seem, please do not stay silent. You can report it to any Bloodstock Festival staff member and they will follow your lead and work with you to try to make sure it does not happen again and that you continue to feel safe at our festival.
Bloodstock has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to: race, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, body size, disability, appearance, religion, citizenship, pregnancy.
Harassment includes but is not limited to: stalking, verbal or physical intimidation, offensive verbal comments, physical assault and/or battery, harassing or non-consensual photography or recording, bathroom policing, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome physical attention.
If you are still struggling to figure out what we mean by our anti-harassment policy here are some examples:
You see someone in the crowd that you think is attractive (i.e. wearing your favourite Band T-Shirt)…
DO – Take a moment to ask yourself, “does that person really want you to stop their music experience to be ‘hit on’?” Now, if you still think it’s a good idea, be prepared for rejection and be respectful by saying something specific like, ‘cool dance move’ or ‘great Slayer T
DO – Keep a reasonable distance between you and the person (NO ONE LIKES A CLOSE TALKER!). And be aware of social cues. If they move away from you or turn their head away that might be your cue to STOP TALKING.
DO NOT – Say “hey beautiful”, “sexy”, “cutie”, “punk-rocker” or ask them things like, “Why aren’t you dancing?” Don’t continue to stand near them or try to engage them if they are not interested.
When the music moves you to start dancing…
DO – Respect peoples’ space around you and dance in your own personal bubble and with your friends. If you happen to be part of a ‘mosh pit’ (or as parents call it a Mash Pot), just mosh with other people involved.
DO NOT – Grab someone and start dancing with them. Remember that song about whipping your hair back and forth? Even if it is great and fun, no one wants someone else’s hair in their mouth!
You are trying to get through a crowd of people to see your favourite band…
DO – Remember that other people want to see the band. So if there’s no space ahead of them DON’T force your way to the front. If there is space, DO politely say excuse me.
DO NOT– Push, shove, or run over other humans. Know what’s a bummer? When someone pushes past you then stands right in front of you!
SAFER SPACES AT FESTIVALS COMMITMENT
As members of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), we are proud to be signed up to the AIF UK ‘s Safer Spaces at Festivals campaign. We work hard to make our festival a safe and inclusive space for all.
REPORTING AN INCIDENT
If you need to report an incident that requires the intervention of festival Security or if you have a medical emergency and can’t get to the Medical Tent in the main arena, Bloodstock has a direct hotline which you can call or text at any time throughout the event. The phone line is manned 24 hours a day. This number is 07486 117686
WELFARE
If you are struggling emotionally / feel in crisis and need to talk to someone, you can reach out to the Festival Samaritans situated at the entrance to the Midgard campsite, alternatively you can visit our ‘Welfare’ team situated in the Medical Welfare tent to the right of the Sophie Lancaster stage Big Top in the main arena. They are open 24 hours a day and can offer a quiet space if needed.
