Police: Ask for ‘Angela’ at Belsonic if you need her

Snow Patrol playing to crowds at Belsonic last week

As crowds descend on Ormeau Park this June for the return of Belsonic 2025, festival-goers are being reminded that help is never far away – simply Ask for Angela.

For the second consecutive year, all bar and security staff working at Belsonic have been trained to recognise and respond to this vital safeguarding initiative.

A collaboration between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), EventSec, and Belsonic, the scheme offers a discreet code for individuals who feel unsafe or uncomfortable to ask for assistance without raising alarm.

“If someone does feel unsafe or particularly vulnerable, they can ask for ‘Angela’ and the security and bar staff around them will be equipped with the training to intervene and help,” said Superintendent Gillian Kearney.

Creating safer festival spaces

Under the scheme, anyone who asks for ‘Angela’ will be taken aside by a trained staff member who will assess the situation and provide support. This may involve reuniting the person with a friend, helping them get a taxi, removing the source of distress, or alerting the police.

The initiative is being rolled out again at Belsonic 2025 as part of a broader strategy to promote safety at public events across Northern Ireland during the summer.

“Those who are heading out to enjoy the music and other festivities this summer, we want to ensure that you do so safely,” said Superintendent Kearney, highlighting the PSNI’s efforts to expand the initiative beyond just one event. “Everybody should be able to attend local festivals and cultural events this summer and feel safe.”

She added that uniformed and plain-clothed officers would be present throughout Belsonic, proactively looking out for signs of predatory behaviour and ensuring the wellbeing of vulnerable attendees.

Support from festival organisers

Joe Dougan, promoter for Belsonic, reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to public safety:

“Customer safety has always been a key focus at Belsonic, and we are pleased to work alongside The Police Service of Northern Ireland and EventSec, with the ‘Ask for Angela’ safeguarding initiative, to ensure we can offer the safest possible space within which to enjoy these world class musical acts.”

EventSec, which provides security for many large-scale events in Northern Ireland, also expressed its strong support.

Andy McGowan, Quality & Compliance Manager at EventSec, stated:

“EventSec Ltd are pleased to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland with the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative… Event goers can now have confidence that if they get into difficulty at an event, EventSec staff can help them if they ‘Ask for Angela’.”

Wider rollout across Northern Ireland

The initiative’s reach is expanding well beyond Belsonic. The PSNI is actively encouraging more local venues to join the scheme, with support from Hospitality Ulster, who offer training resources free of charge to any business.

Chief Superintendent Kearney said:

“Neighbourhood Policing Teams are out and about at this time, encouraging as many local businesses as possible to sign up. We know our hospitality sector is already committed to keeping people safe. By signing up to this scheme, they are making a public pledge to help and support their customers when they need them the most.”

Businesses can find out more and register for the initiative at: https://hospitalityulster.org/askforangela

For more details about the initiative in Northern Ireland, visit: www.psni.police.uk/AskForAngela

If you’re attending Belsonic this summer and feel unsafe or in need of help, remember: just ask for Angela. Help will be discreet, immediate, and respectful.