The Secret Garden festival was held for the first time in Lummen on Saturday, marking a significant change from its previous location in Beringen. This shift brought new challenges and opportunities for local authorities to ensure public safety during the event. Notably, on 2025-05-26 01:51:00, the police in Limburg Regio Hoofdstad (LRH) conducted targeted traffic controls focusing on alcohol and drug use around the festival area.
- Secret Garden festival relocated to Lummen
- Police conducted alcohol and drug checks
- Seventeen drivers caught driving under influence
- Mayor emphasized safety and police enforcement
- Organizers must comply with noise regulations
- Evaluation meeting planned after first event
These checks took place on key roads such as Stokrooieweg and Diestersesteenweg in Hasselt, as well as Genenbosstraat and Geneikenstraat in Lummen, the main exit routes from Secret Garden. The police seized the moment to emphasize the importance of safe driving amid festival celebrations. But how effective are these measures in preventing accidents? And what does this mean for future events in the region?
With these questions in mind, the authorities are keen to balance vibrant cultural experiences with strict safety protocols. The results of the police operation and ongoing collaboration between the municipality and organisers set the stage for a comprehensive review after the final event in September.
Does the festival’s new location impact safety enforcement? Early signs suggest the local police and organisers are proactive, but continuous vigilance is crucial. Key takeaways include:
- Seventeen drivers were caught driving under the influence of alcohol, and five failed saliva tests for drugs.
- Authorities issued 10 fines for various traffic violations, including driving without a licence and insurance issues.
- The municipality imposed strict conditions on event organisation, including noise limits and waste management.
- An evaluation meeting is planned to assess the event’s safety and logistical outcomes.
Looking ahead, will the Secret Garden festival maintain its balance between vibrant entertainment and stringent safety measures? The upcoming evaluation will be critical in shaping future permits and ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy safe, well-managed events in Lummen and beyond.
