Counter Terrorism Policing encourages live music fans to #BeSafeBeSound

Counter Terrorism Policing are working with the UK’s live music industry this summer and beyond, as live music fans are asked to play their part in keeping people safe. 

UK Music, Festival Republic and The O2 are amongst those supporting Counter Terrorism Policing’s #BeSafeBeSound campaign which highlights the importance of reporting suspicious activity.

Counter Terrorism Policing’s Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare Laurence Taylor said: “The terrorist threat remains a reality. Since 2017 we have disrupted almost 40 late-stage terror attacks alongside our colleagues at MI5.

“Whilst there is no specific intelligence to indicate an increased threat to live music events, the UK’s terrorism threat level remains at substantial. “Our casework indicates that large events remain potentially attractive targets to terrorists and it’s absolutely vital that the public are vigilant this summer.

“We have a brilliant range of partners and organisations on board this year who are helping us make sure live music fans know what to do if they see something that doesn’t feel right. Our advice is to always tell security or speak to the police.

“Whilst we are working around the clock to detect new threats and disrupt terrorist activity, the intelligence and information we receive from the public should not be underestimated. “Around a fifth of the online reports and calls we receive every year are particularly useful to us – turning into arrests, building intelligence pictures or kick-starting new investigations.”

Created in 2021, #BeSafeBeSound urges music lovers to stay alert to any signs of hostile reconnaissance and follow safety advice or security procedures in place at events and venues. Since its launch, the campaign has reached over 10 million people in the UK via social media and other platforms.

Over 60 venues, festivals, and organisations are now backing the campaign, which will be seen at events across the UK in the coming weeks and beyond. These include many of the most recognisable festivals and venues in the UK including The O2, Leeds & Reading, Creamields, Utilita Arena in Newcastle, Creamfields, TRNSMT, O2 Academy venues, Wireless, Isle of Wight, First Direct Arena in Leeds, Parklife, OVO Arena in Glasgow, Wembley Arena, and many more.  

UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said: “We all want live music events to be as safe as possible, so UK Music is delighted to support the #BeSafeBeSound campaign.” “Each of us all has a role to play in keeping each other safe at concerts and festivals – whether that is fans staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, or event organisers sharing these important security messages with their audiences. “Whilst the police and other agencies are working hard to protect us, we all have a responsibility to do what we can to help keep each other safe at live events.”  

#BeSafeBeSound is also being supported by the Night Czar for London, Amy Lamé: “The capital’s live music events are the envy of the world, and everyone has the right to enjoy them. “I’m supporting the #BeSafeBeSound campaign to highlight the importance of reporting anything suspicious to police or security staff, so that we can all enjoy ourselves this summer as we build a safer city for all Londoners.”