Police called to village festival over disorder

The annual festival dates back more than 100 years

Police called to a festival over reports a large group of teenagers were involved in disorder said a security worker was believed to have been hurt.

The worker was believed to have been injured at Bournville Village Festival at Cadbury Recreation Ground, Birmingham, on Saturday, West Midlands Police said.

"A girl aged 13 who was identified as a suspect will be interviewed in due course on suspicion of assault," said a police spokesman.

The force said it was called just before 19:40 BST and "a number of officers attended and ensured that the crowds dispersed". Event organisers have been contacted for a response.

The festival in 2023 was cut short

Some visitors said on social media they left early as a result of trouble.

People aired their concerns and complaints on Bournville Village Festival's Facebook page, with one woman saying groups of children seemed "intent on causing trouble" and some who were refused entry were jumping fences to get in.

"We had to like everyone else, go home and as quickly as possible get our families away and out of harm's way," she said.

Another visitor, who did not want to be named, told the BBC trouble was happening every year because of some teenagers arriving who were not accompanied by adults.

"This has ruined the festival for many families with small children. Many families will not be returning due to the high prices and the trouble," they said.

Two years ago the festival was cut short and people evacuated over safety concerns.

The annual festival is held on the last Saturday in June and is run by Bournville Village Council, which formed from the original festival committee.

It dates back to a children's festival held in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII, featuring Maypole dancing, funfair rides and stalls.