Police issue warning to people in mosh pits at Download Festival 2025

Rock fans heading into mosh pits at this year’s Download Festival have been warned by police about the potential for accidental 999 calls due to wearable technology.

Leicestershire Police issued a statement on Facebook saying that in previous years they’ve received 700 extra 999 calls during a typical Download Festival weekend due to devices such as smart watches.

Certain watch models have a “crash detection" feature that’s designed to identify a severe car crash and connect people to emergency services.

“In previous years, due to wearable tech issues, we saw a rise of nearly 700 extra 999 calls in a weekend,” police said.

“The tech assumed that people in mosh pits had been in a collision, causing 999 contacts and abandoned 999 calls.

“All those calls had to be assessed, with three outbound call attempts completed to ensure there is no threat, risk or harm, taking our contact handlers away from answering true emergency calls.

“#HelpUsHelpYou by answering our callbacks from hidden numbers to let us know you are safe. We also recommend switching on ‘airplane mode’ or disabling emergency alerts on your wearable tech.”

The main arena action kicked off at Download Festival today (13th June) with Green Day headlining The Apex Stage.

Friday at Download Festival 2025 in photos:

Listen to Planet Rock on DAB nationwide, on our Rayo app, online or via your smart speaker (“Play Planet Rock”).

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