Eight males have been arrested and charged in connection with offences at the Fly music festival in Edinburgh, including a 12-year-old boy. Police Scotland confirmed the arrests followed scenes of youths scaling fences and breaking into the venue at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens under Edinburgh Castle on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13.
Arrests across both days
On Saturday, two men aged 18 and 27, and two boys aged 15 and 17, were arrested and charged in connection with offences including assault, breach of the peace, and misuse of drugs. On Sunday, two 18-year-olds, a 20-year-old, and a boy aged 12 were arrested in connection with similar offences.
Reports will be submitted to the relevant authorities as enquiries remain ongoing into the disorder. The incidents follow a large number of youths attempting to breach the perimeter fencing, with hundreds of young people seen sprinting into the field of festival goers in videos shared online.
Footage shows youths climbing barriers
Footage showed children and teens climbing over barriers, using barricades as ladders placed against walls, and skipping through gaps in fences as security attempted to intervene. The behaviour was described as "unacceptable" by police, who said their investigation to trace others involved is ongoing.
Superintendent Neil Wilson said: "While the majority of people came along to the event in good spirits and without incident, there were others intent on gaining entry without tickets, involved in disorder and violence, and trespassing on the railway line. Bus transport was also disrupted as officers dealt with various incidents."
Appeal for information
Wilson added: "This type of behaviour is unacceptable, dangerous and will not be tolerated. Everyone should be able to attend the city centre without fear of intimidation or harm at the hands of those who cannot conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. While there have been eight arrests, further enquiries are ongoing to trace others involved in the disorder. I’d appeal to anyone who has information or footage which could assist us to come forward."
Anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference 1161 of Saturday, 12 September, 2026, or pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
