Pier Jam organisers to increase security at this summer's Blackpool dance music festival

Promoters of a Blackpool dance music festival where a man was brutally stabbed last year have promised extra security at this summer's event.
Revellers at last years Pier JamRevellers at last years Pier Jam
Revellers at last years Pier Jam

MK and chart stars Basement Jaxx will kick-start Pier Jam 2016 on July 23, with the festival continuing on August 20, and September 3 and 17.

Last year clubbers were left shocked on the last night of the North Pier-based event when a man was left fighting for life after suffering 14 stab wounds in a brutal attack in the packed bar.

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Mancunian brothers Luke Sandlan, 27, and his brother Elliott Sandlan, 21, were jailed for a total of more than 20 years earlier this year for the attack.

The court was told the younger brother had bought the knife used in the attack from a seafront novelty shop on the day of the stabbing.

Now Pier Jam organisers have vowed to introduce increased security measures at this year’s event in a bid to increase safety for revellers.

Tens of thousands of dance music fans are expected to flock to the resort from all over the UK.

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This year there will be extra security checks, including searches before they are allowed on to the pier.

And extra security staff are due to be employed over the four separate events.

Organisers were unable to provide full details of the measures. However, a spokesman said plans were being drawn up following a meeting with Lancashire police chiefs.

He said: “Having met with Lancashire constabulary and the safety advisory group, we have undertaken to provide extra measures to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all of our customers and staff.”

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Director of Pier Jam, James Cohen said: “This year clubbers can expect the bar to be raised even higher with our biggest line ups to date, more production and even more special effects to ensure Pier Jam remains the North West’s most exciting annual series of daytime clubbing events”

Performing alongside Basement Jaxx will be Claptone, Camelphat and Sonny Fodera.

On September 3 Hannah Wants, Shadow Child, Shiba San, Monki and Tough Love take the stage.

Other acts confirmed include DJ EZ Preditah, Low Steppa TQD (Royal T, DJ Q, Flava D) and Bontan.

Visit www.pierjam.com