The Reggae Land Festival has grown from a bold idea into one of the United Kingdom’s most celebrated celebrations of Caribbean music and culture. Founded in 2018 by festival director Damian Thomas and his team, the event aimed to bring an authentic reggae experience to a wider UK audience while showcasing both homegrown and international talent. The inaugural festival took place in Milton Keynes, in Buckinghamshire, in the southeast of England, and quickly became a fixture in the summer calendar. Now held at The National Bowl in the Furzton area of Milton Keynes, about 80 km northwest of London, the most recent edition in 2025 marked the festival’s fifth annual celebration, solidifying its reputation as a vibrant gathering for reggae enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.

Set within a sprawling outdoor venue capable of hosting tens of thousands, Reggae Land has featured more than 250 artists since its inception. Over the years, audiences have been treated to performances by some of the genre’s most celebrated names, including Sean Paul, Shaggy, and Barrington Levy. In 2025, the festival was expected to draw more than 72,000 spectators over two days, making it one of the largest reggae-focused events in Europe. Organizers describe it as “a space where music, food, and culture unite in one unforgettable experience,” a sentiment echoed by fans who return year after year for the energy, atmosphere, and sense of community.

While the festival is known for joy and celebration, the 2024 Reggae Land Festival was overshadowed by a serious incident when a man was stabbed within the National Bowl. The attack prompted a strong response from Thames Valley Police and festival organizers, who vowed to enhance security for future editions. Measures for 2025 included increased patrols, tighter perimeter controls, and greater use of surveillance technology. “Our goal is to make sure every attendee feels safe from the moment they arrive until the last note is played,” a police spokesperson said in the lead-up to this year’s festival.

One of the most significant tools in the police’s security arsenal is their drone program, which began as a proof-of-concept pilot in 2019 in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary. Initially, the program operated with just three Yuneec drones equipped with optical and thermal imaging. These early flights were used for missing persons searches, crime-scene documentation, and large event monitoring. In the years since, the program has expanded dramatically. By 2023, Thames Valley Police had 130 trained pilots and a fleet of nearly 50 drones, with about 1,500 operational deployments annually.

Today, the force’s drones range from smaller, agile models for quick searches to high-capacity platforms such as the DJI M300. These larger drones can stay airborne for up to 40 minutes and carry advanced sensors. Capabilities include high-resolution video, thermal imaging for night or low-light monitoring, and powerful zoom optics for detailed observation from a safe distance. The drones also feature live-streaming capabilities, sending real-time footage directly to ground teams. According to one senior officer, “The technology allows us to cover large areas quickly, react to incidents in real time, and support our officers on the ground with crucial information.”

Drone use at the Reggae Land Festival is not new. Attendees in 2024 reported seeing police-operated drones overhead in both the main event area and camping grounds, often identifiable by their large size and bright navigation lights. These units were equipped with thermal cameras and used to monitor the festival’s perimeter, manage crowd movement, and locate individuals when needed. In 2025, these operations were refined and expanded, with drones playing a central role in maintaining safety and coordination among security teams.

While drones are a valuable part of festival security, their use is strictly controlled. Only authorized operators, such as police or contracted media crews, are permitted to fly them within festival grounds. Unauthorized drone flights are prohibited due to safety concerns, airspace regulations, and the need to protect privacy. “By limiting drone use to trained professionals, we ensure that the technology is there to protect everyone, attendees, artists, and vendors alike,” said a Thames Valley Police representative.

The 2025 festival concluded without major incidents, drawing record-breaking crowds who enjoyed the event in a safe and lively atmosphere. The addition of police drones proved to be a valuable tool, helping maintain security while enhancing the overall sense of safety, leaving festivalgoers with an even more positive experience.

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