A BOLTON woman is critically ill and one man has died after taking “powerful and dangerous substances” at a music festival.

Five people were taken ill this morning after taking drugs – which could have featured Adidas or Rolls Royce logos – at the Kendal Calling festival in the Lake District.

Police were contacted by staff at Cumberland Infirmary just before 7am this morning following concerns for an 18-year-old man who had arrived in a critical condition.

The man, 18-year-old Christian Pay from Millom, subsequently died and an investigation has been launched into his death.

A further four people were admitted to Cumberland Infirmary, including a 29-year-old woman from Bolton who is currently fighting for her life in a critical condition.

Another man, a 19-year-old from Millom, is in a critical condition. Two other men from Millom, aged 18 and 20, are in a serious but stable condition.

Police say five possible drugs have been seized so far which may be linked to the incident.

They are a blue tablet with an Adidas logo, a yellow powder – believed to be MDMA – an orange oval tablet with a Rolls Royce logo, a green tablet with a white fleck and a plain grey tablet with a white fleck.

A multi-agency response group has been set up, and Cumbria Constabulary is advising revellers at the festival not to take any illegal drugs for their own safety.

Superintendent Mark Pannone said: “Our advice is simple do not take any drugs at Kendal Calling 2015.

“It is never safe to take unknown substances as you cannot be sure of what they contain.

“There is a risk that these substances are on still on site and those attending the festival need to be aware of the potential dangers of taking substances such as these.”

Police have arrested four people, including a 20-year-old man from Manchester, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. They are currently being detained for questioning.

Superintendent Justin Bibby said: “This is a very serious incident and people attending the festival need to be aware of the potential dangers of taking such illegal drugs.

“You cannot be sure of what the drug contains and therefore could cause fatal consequences. Please for your own safety do not take any illegal drugs.”

Dr Jane Mathieson, a consultant from Cumbria County Council Public Health, said: “These are powerful and dangerous substances which are simply not safe. Do not risk your health by taking any drugs.

“However, if you are to take drugs our advice is to consume as little as little as possible. Do not retake substances until you are confident that the effects have worn off.”

Kendal Calling began at Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District last night, and thousands are expected to attend the four-day event with headline acts including Snoop Dogg, Elbow and Kaiser Chiefs.

A spokesman for Kendal Calling said: “We are deeply saddened that a male who attended Kendal Calling passed away at Carlisle Hospital this morning.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and we are doing everything possible to support the police with their enquiries.”

The official Kendal Calling Twitter account tweeted earlier this morning: "There have been serious drug related casualties requiring hospital treatment.

"Please take extra care - illegal drugs have unknown contents.

“If you see any suspicious or anti-social behaviour please make sure you tell a member of staff straight away.”

In Kendal Calling’s FAQ section on the festival website it states: "The festival operates a zero-tolerance policy to drugs. The laws of the land are as relevant within the festival field as anywhere else."

The Loop, a Manchester charity, conducts forensic testing of drugs at UK festivals and representatives are currently providing support at Kendal Calling.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 or alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Are you at Kendal Calling? Did you witness the incident? Call Tui Benjamin on 01204 537254 or email tui.benjamin@nqnw.co.uk