Police hail peaceful Creamfields

The Chemical Brothers were one of the headline acts

The Creamfields dance music festival passed off without serious incident over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Police at the event at the Daresbury estate in Halton made 22 arrests for a number of offences, including drug possession and drink-driving.

Cheshire Police said reported crime at the 2007 event dropped by about 80% on last year.

About 500 officers policed the event, which organisers said helped make it one of the best to date.

40,000 revellers

Insp Paul Carroll, who led the police operation, said: "The figures reflect the pro-active policing, the use of police dogs and the automatic number plate recognition system.

"I recognise that all crimes are distressing for the victim and it is somewhat reassuring to note that the crimes are not in the more serious categories that we saw last year.

"We would like to thank the organisers, festival-goers and local residents for their co-operation."

About 40,000 revellers attended to watch acts including The Chemical Brothers, Groove Armada and LCD Soundsystem.

Organiser James Barton said he was delighted with the overall operation.

"We are particularly happy that the increased levels of security and policing prevented any major incidents and didn't stop a very good natured crowd having a good time," he added.