A fundraiser has been launched and a call made for gigs at Dreamland to be suspended until an investigation has concluded following the tragic death of a 17-year-old girl on Saturday night (June 29)
Emergency services were called to help teenager Emily Stokes, who had been attending the Worried About Henry drum and bass event at Dreamland, but sadly she died at QEQM Hospital.
Her 19-year-old sister Megan says the cause was thought to be a drug overdose and she believes her younger sister was spiked.
Megan has now set up a fundraiser to help pay funeral costs.
Writing on the fundraiser page Megan says: “I’m starting up a gofundme as my younger sister has tragically passed away from an overdose from being spiked in Margate.
“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 17 years old has completely broken me.
“It breaks my heart that we may not be able to give her the send off she would’ve wanted.”
The appeal has already raised £2,766 of the £3,000 total.
Find the fundraising page here
The tragedy has resulted in a call from district councillor Marc Rattigan to suspend further events at the park until an investigation has been carried out. Cllr Rattigan says steps must be taken to make sure security is stepped up and an onsite paramedic team is arranged at future Dreamland events.
He said generally concerts at the venue have been good for the area but ‘rave’ type events have created problems which need to be addressed.
He has written to the authority, saying: “Tragically, a 17-year-old lost their life and reports from the teenager’s sister suggest the young individual was spiked. Numerous attendees were hospitalised, echoing similar incidents from last year.
“Conversations with event-goers revealed that 80% were not subjected to security checks upon entry. Additionally, while walking around Margate on Saturday, I observed large groups of underage, intoxicated teens causing disturbances throughout the town.
“Despite the event being advertised as 16+, it was evident that many participants were under this age limit. 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. This is tarnishing the town’s reputation.
“It is crucial for us, as a council, to ensure that such events are managed effectively. Disturbingly, reports indicate the 17-year-old was left unattended for nearly 20 minutes before receiving medical assistance.
“I propose council should be making sure the following measures are carried out :
- Strict ID policy enforcement at entry points.
- Stringent drug and weapon checks with increased security presence.
- A well-equipped paramedic team on-site.
“Given the severity of the weekend’s events, I ask the council to look at suspending further events pending a thorough investigation.”
Police investigation and drug supply arrests
Police are investigating the circumstances of Emily’s death.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 5.58pm on Saturday 29 June to be made aware of the death of a 17-year-old girl at the QEQM hospital in Margate.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and a report is being made for the coroner.”
The force has also confirmed reports of drug dealing in the area were received on the day and seven people were arrested on suspected dealing offences. Two of those were released without charge and five were bailed pending further enquiries.
The Kent Police spokesperson added: “Officers on patrol on Margate seafront on the afternoon of Saturday 29 June 2024 were made aware of drug dealing concerns in the area.
“During the afternoon, evening and the following morning, seven people were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences in separate instances.
“Five of those arrested have since been released on bail pending further enquiries. Two were released without charge.”
‘Taking matters seriously’
A spokesperson for Thanet council said the authority is taking the matter seriously and will look at what action to take as the licensing authority based on police findings and advice.
The 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.”
‘Deeply saddened’
A Dreamland spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of a seventeen year old woman in hospital on Saturday 29th June.
“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.”
They said they were unable to comment further because of the ongoing police investigation.
Dreamland has a busy series of gigs this Summer and most events have been held without serious issues but there have been suggestions from the public that an 18+ age limit should be enforced in future. The site did have a paramedic tent at the Worried About Henry event.
