Thousands set for sanctioned music festival this 'fake homecoming' Saturday

For the first time, Western University's student council is hosting what's proving to be a popular on-campus musical festival this "fake homecoming" Saturday in an effort to provide students with an alternative to unsanctioned partying.

Officials will clear out a campus parking lot to make way for thousands of students set to attend Purple Fest, a six-hour festival featuring award-winning American artists and a licenced beer garden.

"We designed the entire event with student safety in mind. We really wanted to focus on what alternative choice could we provide to students on this day. We came up with this large scale programming initiative," said Mitch Pratt, president of the University Student's Council (USC).

Two years ago, Western officials moved the university's official annual reunion from a September date to late October. The move triggered student unrest and thousands decided to party on both dates instead.

Police and emergency officials called the unsanctioned celebration a "danger to public safety" after a number of drug and liquor related warnings were issued during last year's rave.  

Pratt said the USC event was organized to give students safer choices.

"We wanted to focus on purple fest as not just an event but almost a culture shift as how we look at this specific day. We don't think that punitive measures may be the right route for this. We do feel that providing students with the choice of what they want to do in a safer environment is integral," he said.

Purple Fest, in collaboration with PremierLife, will feature musical artists including Lil Uzi Vert and Juice Wrld. As of Monday, officials sold 90 per cent of the 12,000 tickets, ranging between $30 and $50 in price.

Safety on campus

The USC isn't taking any chances when it comes to security at the event.

Pratt said several emergency units will be present including St. John Ambulance, university student response team and university security. Pratt said event officials have been in touch with local authorities and Campus Police.

Extra London Transit Commission buses will be in the area to ensure student transportation safety.

"Our whole thought process behind this was how to prioritize student spirit and the idea of purple pride while emphasizing student safety on that particular day," Pratt said.

Safety in the city

Separate from the event on the university campus, the London Police Service will continue its patrolling of the city this Saturday.

Const. Sandasha Bough said police are aware of unsanctioned event happening on that day, which has in the past resulted in unsanctioned street parties.

"We want anyone in attendance to keep the roadway clear. Public safety is our priority and we're concerned for not only individuals who want to attend but also others in the community," said Bough.

She said police will have a high visible presence on Saturday.

Last year, police said overtime costs for crowd control estimated at $36,000.