Dance festival attracts 25,000

Thousands of revellers packed the Matterley Bowl

More than 25,000 revellers packed the Homelands dance festival over the weekend, which police chiefs have said saw a small number of arrests.

Forty-six people were detained during the 18-hour event at the Matterley Bowl site near Winchester.

The sixth annual event, which began at 1300 BST on Saturday, saw a high level of co-operation between Hampshire Constabulary officers and festival organisers.

Specialist police teams with sniffer dogs were brought in from across the south to patrol the site for those in possession of illegal drugs.

Festival-goers were searched by officers with sniffer dogs

Hampshire Constabulary had warned revellers that anyone supplying or using drugs would be ejected from the festival, even if the amount in possession "does not merit prosecution".

Drugs amnesty bins also meant revellers could dispose of illegal substances before entering the festival, without fear of prosecution.

About 400 officers and support staff were involved in policing the operation.

They worked closely with the Mean Fiddler Organisation, Winchester City Council and other emergency services.

A special telephone hotline operated by Winchester City Council was also set up for residents experiencing problems with noise levels during the festival.