Post published on July 21, 2024.

A girl died of a suspected MDMA overdose and 21 other young teenagers were taken to hospital with drug-related symptoms following an event at a popular Margate venue, the Independent reported.

In the report, the newspaper reported that Dreamland amusement park in Kent faces a licensing review after the day festival in June, with an application made by Kent Police to Thanet District Council’s licensing sub-committee.

The force declared a major incident on June 29 over the Worried About Henry gig after a number of young people under the age of 18 were taken to hospital, with the youngest being 15, the application reads.

A call shortly after confirmed one of the casualties taken to hospital earlier in the day had been declared dead following a suspected MDMA overdose, the senior police officer added.

Dreamland has since cancelled a similar event that was scheduled for July 27, and the application described the entertainment park as a “well run” premises and “well suited to what we would deem to be lower risk events”.

The force listed a number of interim measures to be put in place before the licensing review, which the licensing sub-committee agreed were necessary on July 9.

The interim steps include formal cancellation of all drum and bass events and those deemed to be a higher risk association with class A and B drug use by those under 18, as well as more security staff, zero tolerance signage and for under-18s to be accompanied by adults over 25 years old.

Following the death, a Dreamland spokesperson reportedly said:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of a 17-year-old woman in hospital on Saturday June 29.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the young woman’s family and friends and we will continue to work closely with Kent Police where relevant as they investigate this tragedy further.

“The police investigation is still ongoing, and we will therefore not be making any further comment.”