About Entertainment – Magazine – Three injured in stage collapse

About Entertainment – Magazine –

The crowds faced wet weather prior to the winds which caused the collapse

Three people were injured when part of a stage collapsed at a music festival in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Police said strong winds lifted part of the roof off the stage at The Bearded Theory event in Hulland Ward, near Ashbourne.

A police spokesman said the injuries included a suspected broken wrist and shoulder, back and neck injuries.

A number of people were also treated for shock but the festival at Bradley Nook Farm Estate is continuing.

The stage was closed and made safe following the accident. Two other stages remained open.

‘Freak gust’

A Derbyshire Police spokesman said the collapse happened at 1950 BST.

He said: "Reports indicated strong winds lifted part of the roof off the stage.

"Three people were injured and were taken to the Derby Royal Infirmary."

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

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Sally Booth, site manager, said a "freak gust of wind" hit the main stage.

She said: "It’s been raining and windy all day but this was a freak gust of wind that was capable of knocking people over."

James Willis, organiser of the three-day festival, said: "True to the festival spirit the personnel and festival-goers pulled together to ensure the continued running of the festival.

"The organisers are working to accommodate the acts which were due to appear on the main stage."

Gerard Baker, a chef at a café on the site, witnessed the stage roof collapse.

Huge squall

He said: "The sky darkened and within five minutes a huge squall came through, then it got seriously bad.

"The Portaloos started literally spinning through the air. It came with an astonishing suddenness."

Mr Baker said he was about 15 metres from the main stage when it was "pretty much wrecked".

"The supports from the marquee were ripped out from the ground and the wires broke," he said.

He said it was thought the people hurt were crew who were on stage setting up for the next band.

Several others who saw the roof fall posted comments online after the incident.

Pak Chan wrote: "Have survived the great gust of wind that’s wiped out the Bearded Theory festival. Am huddled in tent, awaiting weather Armageddon."

The festival, now in its second year, features a range of music including dance, rock, folk and acoustic.

Organisers said this year’s event had attracted a capacity crowd of 2,500.