Bestival and 25 UK music festival websites are going dark to campaign against sexual assault

Bestival is among 25 UK music festivals set to go dark today, in a campaign tipped to raise awareness for sexual assaults at music events. 

Titled Safer Spaces, the campaign is the brainchild of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) with Bestival, Secret Garden Party and Parklife among 25 festivals set to turn off their websites in support of the cause. 

The AIF hopes to use the shut-off to highlight the on-site support options available for victims of sexual assault at festivals, with more 60 members of the association signing a new charter for best practice including increased training for staff and volunteers at events. 

"It's raising awareness and letting audiences know that if something were to happen, they can report it on site," says Renae Brown, campaign manager at the AIF.

"This is something we should be talking about at festivals. We want people to look out for each other."