Extra police officers on duty for busiest night in clubbing calendar

As many as 2,000 Islanders could make their way to Fort Regent for the BLKOUT event on Saturday, which has been given an extended licence until 4 am.

Organiser Lyle de la Cloche, pictured here with DJ Biko, looks ahead to the event

‘We have pulled out all of the stops this year to make sure that this night lives long in the memory for all of us – something that will stay with us for the rest of our lives’

And hundreds more are due at the Watersplash in St Peter on Sunday to see Jersey Live headliners Rudimental.

The States police, who for operational reasons declined to confirm the exact number of extra officers who will be on duty, will be conducting high-visibility patrols in St Helier and at the venues of each event.

Inspector Mark Coxshall, head of the force’s Operational Support Unit, urged Islanders to drink and act responsibly.

‘To support several events this weekend, additional police officers will be on duty, working alongside the event organisers and their event security teams,’ he said.

‘Our officers will carry out high-visibility patrols both in St Helier and at the events to ensure that they are being run safely for those attending, and to monitor compliance with the Licensing Law.

‘As always, the States police look forward to working in partnership with the event organisers and we encourage those attending licensed premises or promoted events over the bank holiday weekend to drink responsibly.’

Lyle de la Cloche, the organiser of BLKOUT, said that partygoers had been warned not to turn up to the event after 11 pm.

He added that 45 security staff – more than are legally required – have been hired as well as a specialist safety adviser from the UK.

Fort Regent will host the BLKOUT eventRudimental will be playing at the Watersplash

‘People have been told not to turn up after 11 pm,’ he said. ‘It is part of our policy that we have agreed with the Bailiff and it basically stops people getting too drunk before they come in. We just want everyone to have a good time.

‘We have pulled out all of the stops this year to make sure that this night lives long in the memory for all of us – something that will stay with us for the rest of our lives,’ he said.

‘Anyone who was lucky enough to attend Blkout last year can tell you just how unbelievable the vibe was inside Fort Regent.

‘This year will be no different.’

Fort Regent will be open until 9 pm every day this week for people to buy BLKOUT tickets except for Good Friday, when it will close at 5 pm.

Tickets to see Rudimental at the Watersplash can still be bought by visiting eventbrite.com

SOCIAL media erupted when two titans of clubbing promotion in Jersey revealed they were gong head to head on Easter weekend.

But this has left a bitter taste in a certain promoter’s mouth as accusations of underhand tactics and bullying techniques were made by the organisers of Blkout, against Together Parties.

The jewel in the Jersey dance music calendar’s crown is under threat and could lose custom as heavyweights Together Parties and Warehouse Jersey team up to bring the ever popular Rudimental to the Watersplash the very next day.

Is it a pretty obvious move to derail Blkout?

Well, on the surface it may well look like it, but I’m not too sure. Let’s look at the history.

Warren Le Sueur has promoted an Easter ‘Splash event for ten years and to great success.

In 2013 Blkout was launched and has since ruled the roost – even seemingly causing Together Parties to cancel a ‘Splash event they had planned the next day.

Now, I am a massive fan of the work that Lyle de la Cloche (Blkout) has done for Jersey but while this move shows little respect for Blkout,

I don’t think they are correct to accuse Together Parties of bullying.

Arguably they are the longer-running Easter fixture. With Blkout set for Saturday 4 April and the ‘Splash set for Sunday 5 April, I am really reaching out to every clubber in Jersey and asking you to do your best to attend and support both events.

An in-house civil war is the last thing we want.

These two promoters put everything they have into organising these events, but at the end of the day it is a business, competition has to be embraced – even encouraged.

Take my word for it, Blkout will smash it this year, it’s too big in the minds of Jersey clubbers to fail now.

But Together Parties have played a wild card and I will put my house on there not being a single ‘Splash ticket left come 5 April.

I dearly hope my friends on both sides of this bassline infused controversial debate come out as winners.

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