Bournville Village Festival disorder: residents react to event being cut short

A historic village festival was cut short prematurely due to a disorder yesterday (June 24).

Bournville Village Festival started around 1pm yesterday with long queues of happy families but the day ended before the fireworks display.

Bournville Councillor Liz Clements, who attended the festival, said: “I left Bournville Village Festival about 6.30pm yesterday, was returning at 10 pm as site was being evacuated. Terribly sad end to what had been lovely event, I understand some fighting broke out. I know how much hard work Bournville Village Council put in, what a shame for them.”

Residents echoed her sentiments with one saying on Twitter that the event descended into “total chaos”.

One resident wrote on Twitter: “Bournville Village Festival not what it used to be…”

Another added: “Bournville village festival held on Cadbury’s grounds, evacuated with no guidance yesterday because of knife fights, poor security and lack of interest from the police. Is everywhere inEngland crap at the moment?”

One person wrote on Twitter: “ There’s some dodgy places in Birmingham. And I thought Bournville was supposed to a quaint village.”

An investigation has been launched after the festival organisers ended the festival early over safety concerns after weapons were seen at the festival. Some people reported there being an assault as well.

It is a large neighbourhood festival with families and children attending year after year.