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Girl, 17, who died after drum and bass festival at Dreamland, Margate, named locally as Emily Stokes

By: Max Chesson mchesson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 13:20, 01 July 2024

Updated: 15:29, 01 July 2024

A 17-year-old who died after attending a drum and bass festival over the weekend has been named locally as Emily Stokes.

Tributes have been paid to the teenager who had been at an all-day event called Worried About Henry at Dreamland in Margate on Saturday before falling ill.

Emily Stokes has been named locally as the 17-year-old girl who died following a drum and bass festival at Dreamland in Margate. Picture: Megan Stokes / GoFundMe

She tragically died at the QEQM Hospital in Margate that evening.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, amid reports she was “spiked” while at the festival.

Her sister Megan Stokes has since set up a fundraiser in the hope of giving Emily “the send-off she would have wanted”.

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Writing on GoFundMe, she said: “My younger sister has tragically passed away from an overdose from being spiked.

“Emily was the kindest person you could ever meet. She was so full of life and to have her taken away so suddenly at just only 17 years old has completely broken me and it breaks my heart that we may not be able to give her the send-off she would’ve wanted.

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“I’ve set this up so hopefully we can give her the best send-off.”

A target of £3,000 has been set and more than £2,600 has already been donated in less than 24 hours.

District councillor Marc Rattigan has now called on Thanet District Council (TDC) to look at suspending any further events at Dreamland, and for more stringent securiy measures at the site.

He alleged that other attendees were also hospitalised, and that event-goers told him many were not subject to security checks.

In a letter pencilled to the authority, Cllr Rattigan said: “Despite the event being advertised as 16+, it was evident that many participants were under this age limit.

Dreamland bosses say they are working closely with Kent Police as the tragedy is investigated further. Picture: Dreamland

“While concert-style music events have been a positive influence on Margate’s regeneration, these particular raves are bringing unwanted trouble, including anti-social behaviour and increased drug activity.

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“This is tarnishing the town’s reputation.

“It is crucial for us, as a council, to ensure that such events are managed effectively.”

“Given the severity of the weekend’s events, I ask the council to look at suspending further events pending a thorough investigation.”

Dreamland has been approached for comment, in response to Cllr Rattigan’s letter.

Dreamland was taken over by LN Gaiety in December 2023

A TDC spokesperson said: "We were advised of the tragic news that this weekend a young person died in hospital, having attended an event at Dreamland. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.

"The incident is being investigated by Kent Police. We are in touch with them and within our remit as licensing authority will consider what action to take in light of their findings and on the basis of their advice.

“We’d like to reassure residents that the council is fully aware and is taking the matter very seriously."

Kent Police say they have received no reports of spiking.

According to the force’s website, spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing - for example, in their drink or with a needle.

A police spokesman added: “Kent Police was called at 5.58pm on Saturday, June 29, to be made aware of the death of a 17-year-old girl at the QEQM hospital in Margate.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and a report is being made for the coroner.”

A Dreamland spokesman said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of a 17-year-old woman in hospital on Saturday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the young woman’s family and friends and we will continue to work closely with Kent Police where relevant as they investigate this tragedy further.”

When pressed for further comment on Monday, bosses at the venue said: "The police investigation is still ongoing, and we will therefore not be making any further comment."

The Thanet community has been also left shocked by the news of Emily’s death, with many expressing their condolences on social media.

Krystle Wright wrote on Facebook: “Losing this little one at Dreamland has really touched my soul. I just wanted to look after this little girl.

“She came across as very sweet and happy and just a young girl wanting to enjoy her first rave.”

Jez Gibson added: “This must be unimaginably awful for her family.”

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