Yesterday the PSNI confirmed a 17-year-old girl passed away in hospital.
They also confirmed two other people were taken to hospital after taking ill at the same event in Boucher Playing Fields, including a woman in her 30s and a boy in his teens.
In an update on Tuesday, the PSNI said officers remained at the site yesterday and said an investigation is “ongoing” into the teenager’s death.
It was also confirmed a number of arrests were made over the two days of the event.
PSNI Belfast District Commander, Superintendent Allister Hagan, said: “As with all large-scale events, a range of agencies were involved in supporting the safe delivery of the festival. Police were present across the weekend, working in partnership with organisers and Belfast City Council to help ensure the safety of those attending.
“Over the course of the two day event, local police were supported by specialist officers from a range of units including from Air Support, Tactical Support, Dog Section and Roads Policing.
“Officers made seven arrests over the weekend and issued thirteen immediate disposals – three Fixed Penalty Notices, one Caution and nine Community Resolution Notices. Offences included disorderly behaviour, driving whilst unfit through excess alcohol, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs.”
Superintendent Hagan continued: “During the event it was reported that a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital.
“Police remained on the event site until Monday afternoon, 25th August. An investigation in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death of this young person is ongoing, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.
“Police will continue to work closely with event organisers and the licensing authority to ensure that events remain safe and enjoyable for all of those who attend.”
The Emerge Music Festival
News Catch Up – Tuesday 26th August
Yesterday, Micky Murray, the former Lord Mayor of Belfast, said he was calling for an “urgent meeting” with the event organisers and council officials.
“This is utterly heartbreaking news, and my sincere condolences are with the loved ones of the young individual who has tragically lost their life in these circumstances.
“I also wish for a full and speedy recovery for the other individuals who have been taken to the hospital and are reported to have attended the festival as well.
“Festivals are meant to be safe spaces for people to celebrate their love of music and express themselves, no one expects such a tragic incident to occur in this environment.
“The circumstances of the situation remain unclear, and as a representative on Belfast City Council, I have requested an urgent meeting with Council officers and representatives from Emerge festival.
“I urge people not to speculate, as the police have stated that enquiries are still ongoing.”
Meanwhile, in a statement a spokesperson for St John Ambulance NI – a volunteer-led first aid charity – said: “We wish to make clear that St John Ambulance NI had no involvement in, or association with the event where this fatality reportedly occurred.
“St John Ambulance extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased female. St John Ambulance has no further comments to make on this statement of sympathy and clarification.”
Emerge has been described as ‘Ireland’s biggest electronic musical festival’.
Held annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend, this year its line-up was made up of more than 80 acts, across four stages and two days.
Emerge first came to Belfast in 2022.
Saturday night saw 40,000 attend headline act, DJ Fatboy Slim, while similar crowds attended Sunday’s headline show, homegrown DJ duo Bicep.Emerge festival organisers have been contacted for further comment.