Home / Environment / Festival Bans BBQs Amid Wildfire Fears
Festival Bans BBQs Amid Wildfire Fears
5 Aug
Summary
- Lakefest 2026 banned barbecues due to wildfire risk.
- The West Midlands and seven other English areas are in drought.
- Increased medical and security staff are present at the festival.
The Lakefest 2026 music festival, taking place until Sunday, has implemented a ban on barbecues to address rising wildfire concerns amidst continuing high temperatures. Organizers highlighted the potential for wind to carry sparks from barbecues and ignite the tinder-dry vegetation surrounding the Eastnor Castle site.
This precautionary measure follows recent drought declarations by the Environment Agency for the West Midlands and six other English regions. The agency noted record-low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures have led to critically low river levels, forcing farmers to harvest crops prematurely and increasing overall wildfire risk.
Festival director Andy Winmill confirmed close collaboration with the fire service and other agencies to ensure event safety. In addition to the barbecue ban, the festival has increased its medical and security provisions for attendees.
