Kendal Calling Festival: Man dies after suspected substance abuse

He has been named as Christian Pay, of Millom.

Police were contacted by staff at Cumberland Infirmary just before 7am this morning following concerns for an 18-year-old man who had arrived in a critical condition.

A further four people have been admitted to the Cumberland Infirmary.

A 29-year-old woman from Bolton is understood to be in a critical but stable condition.

“If you are taking drugs, this is my advice: take as little as possible, don’t repeat, don’t take any more substances until the effects have worn off, don’t mix substances and don’t drink alcohol”, she said. Pannone said it was too early to say what the substances were, and that it was “naive” to think people would not take drugs at the festival.

Cumbria Police said an investigation was under way into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Next of kin enquiries are taking place for these four individuals. There are significant risks in taking unknown substances, you cannot be sure of what they contain and this can seriously affect your health.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cumbria police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

25,000 people are expected to attend the campsite in Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith, across the weekend on what is the festival’s tenth birthday. North West Ambulance Service received the call at about 6.40am today.

Greater Manchester Police have also issued a warning today about green tablets with the Adidas logo on them that they believe have taken a number of people ill at Kendal Calling.

A spokesman from Kendal Calling said: “We are deeply saddened that a man who attended Kendal Calling passed away at Carlisle Hospital this morning”.

The festival have issued a warning following the incident, tweeting: “There have been serious drug related casualties requiring hospital treatment”.

Cumbria Constabulary are advising revellers at the festival not to take any illegal drugs for their own safety. “Police are supporting the deceased’s family at this time”.