Petition launched for refunds after fans complain of overcrowding at London’s Drumsheds 

18 December, 2024

Crowd at The Drumsheds, London

A petition has been launched, with fans calling for refunds after overcrowding at London’s Drumsheds.

The 15,000-capacity venue, which is located in Tottenham as a repurposed IKEA building, hosted a 15th anniversary of UK bass label UKF last Friday (December 13), but was quick to spark backlash following accusations of overcrowding

With a line-up comprising Pendulum, Nero, Knife Party and more, dozens of attendees have since taken to social media to accuse organisers of “unsafe queues”, overcrowding and “aggressive” security.

Now, a new petition has been launched in light of the event, and demanded that organisers at Drumsheds are “held accountable” for the issues faced by fans and pressured to issue refunds.

At time of writing, the petition stands at over 1,900 signatures since being shared on Saturday (December 14). It is aiming to reach 2,500 in total. “Numerous people were subjected to frightful conditions that risked their safety at recent event ran at the venue Drumsheds in London,” the description read.

“These circumstances can lead to devastating incidents such as crowd surge or potential crushing. According to a series of accounts from concerned attendees, these circumstances were particularly prevalent on the path leading into the venues, causing widespread panic and fear among the attendees,” it added.

Rob Swire of Pendulum performs live in 2024
Rob Swire of Pendulum performs live in 2024. CREDIT: Katja Ogrin/Redferns/Getty Images

“We are therefore calling upon the organisers to provide refunds due to these concerning conditions at their event. By signing this petition, you support our demand for safe standards at all event venues and that patrons who experienced this daunting scenario on the event premises are rightly refunded.”

Other examples of the circumstances faced by concertgoers were shared on social media and in the comment section of the petition, with one attendee describing it as “the most dangerous event I’ve been to”. Another claimed they were “covered in bruises and feeling violated by an incompetent dog handler and security”, while a third described it as “terrifying” and added: “After all that queuing to see two and a half acts was a joke. Don’t know how they got away without any casualties.”

The comments echo a similar report shared by MusicTech over the weekend, which recalled the issues of poor management and extensive queuing faced at UKF15 and debated whether it was “the worst-organised event at the venue yet”. Find more fan responses below.

Following complaints from visitors, Drumsheds’ operator Broadwick Live has shared a statement, and explained that the venue was facing “a number of challenges” on the night, but tried to mitigate them by enhancing security procedures.

“We are aware of the concerns raised and sincerely apologise for the frustration and discomfort caused during the event,” read the statement shared with MixMag.

“Unfortunately, we faced a number of challenges on the night, including longer-than-usual queues and congestion due to a combination of factors, including enhanced security procedures. While these measures were necessary, we understand their impact and are conducting a thorough review.”

This is a developing story.

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