Police have issued a warning over drugs at Cambridge’s Strawberry Fair - and CCTV cameras will be in place at the event. Plans for a community policing operation are in place for the event’s 40th anniversary in June. The force has been working with fair organisers and Cambridge City Council to ensure a fun, family-friendly event for visitors between Friday, June 6 and Sunday, June 8.
Insp Steve Poppitt, in charge of the operation, said: “It’s important that we maintain the family focus that the Strawberry Fair Committee has worked hard to build on over the last few years, so we’ve been working hard with them and Cambridge City Council. Our planning has looked at the best way to minimise disruption for residents and tackle past issues at the event. There will be practical measures in place to prevent the fair being spoiled by alcohol or drug misuse and criminal or anti-social behaviour.”
The fair site will have perimeter fencing with four public entrances at Maids Causeway, Walnut Tree Avenue, Victoria Road Bridge and Jesus Green. All entrances will be staffed by stewards and there will be strict security measures in place for those wishing to enter. No more than four cans of beer or equivalent per person, no spirits, and no glass will be allowed on Midsummer Common during the event. Community police officers will be patrolling the fair site and neighbouring areas and CCTV will be operating during the fair.
Between noon on Thursday, June 5, and 6am on Sunday, June 8, Walnut Tree Avenue will be closed. The ‘Fort St George’ footbridge will be closed from 11am on Saturday, June 7 until 9am on Sunday, June 8.
This year’s theme is ‘Ruby Masquerade Ball’ to mark 40 years since the first Strawberry Fair was held. Kam Sanghera, chairman of the Strawberry Fair Committee, said: “We’ve continued the work of recent years and built on the good relationships forged with the authorities and local residents’ groups, and are feeling positive about the development and direction of the fair. We’re sure that all families will find something for them at this year’s fair.”
For more information and advice follow @CambridgeCops, @Strawberry_Fair and @CamCitCo on Twitter.
