A 21-year-old man has died after being rushed to hospital from a big UK music festival.

The Margate Drum and Bass Festival at Dreamland in Kent was forced to end nearly five hours early at 5.40pm on Saturday follwing an incident in the searing 28C heat. The festival wrote on X: “It was just too hot day,” adding, “We had to close early. Get home safely.”

Later developments revealed a medical emergency occurred onsite. An official message from Thanet District Council’s chief executive Colin Carmichael, communicated to all council members last night, identified the individual as a 21-year-old man who passed away subsequent to emergency transport to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital.

Kent Online reported the local councillor highlighted the contents of the note, saying: “Very sadly, a 21-year-old man was taken by blue light services from Dreamland and died at QEQM (Hospital). We understand that medical advisers approved the medical provisions set up by Dreamland for this event, but of course, police will carry out a proper investigation.

“We are not intending to speculate until we have the results of that.”

At present, the specific cause of the gentleman’s death remains unknown, with Kent Police clarifying that the occurrence is not considered suspicious.

The authority relayed: “Officers are making enquiries into the circumstances of the death which is not believed to be suspicious. A report is being prepared for the coroner.”

The Kent festival ramped up its security following a tragic incident last year that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Emily Stokes. Her sister Megan revealed the heartbreaking details, stating Emily “tragically passed away from an overdose from being spiked” at the event.

Following a licensing review, Dreamland increased its safety protocols, introducing a tougher stance on drugs and more rigorous checks. The venue has now banned under 18s, increased the number of paramedics for high-risk events, enforced a no re-entry policy, and implemented stricter age verification processes.

An attendee told Kent Online how artist Mozey broke the news: “came on and said everyone has to go, the venue is closing and you all need to leave now. We have a medical emergency.”

They also commented on the crowd’s reaction: “There were a few angry people but most were pretty calm about it. I think they were just angry because we don’t know what’s going on. Lots of security arrived after to help get everyone out, I think they’ve dealt with it as well as they can.”