Tragedy as child dies after falling ill at festival

A child has died after falling ill at family-friendly festival Camp Bestival. Police were called to Weston Park - the site of the former V-Festival in Staffordshire - in the early hours of Saturday.

The child was rushed to hospital but died a short time later, police said. Camp Bestival is aimed at families including those with small children.

A Camp Bestival spokesperson said: "A child became poorly on Friday night and, after receiving immediate medical care onsite, was taken to hospital in an ambulance, where they tragically passed away. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family at this terrible time, and we will continue to support them in any way we can."

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No further details about the child, including their gender or age, or the circumstances of their death have been disclosed by authorities at this stage. A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "We were called to Camp Bestival, Weston Park, at 12.37am on Saturday following reports of a child who was taken ill.

"The child was treated at the scene and taken to hospital in a critical condition. Sadly, the child died a short time later.

"Specially-trained officers are continuing to support the child’s family and we ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult and distressing time. Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the death."

Camp Bestival typically holds two festival every summer - one in Staffordshire and the other at a site in Dorset. This year's line-up included Eurovision star Sam Ryder, former Spice Girl Melanie C, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and X Factor finalist Ella Henderson.