Creamfields has issued a pill safety alert to all attendees via the festival's official app, urging people to "stay safe" after an onsite testing lab identified pills containing "dangerous levels" of MDMA.
MDMA, the shortened chemical name for the synthetic psychoactive drug 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, can come in powder or crystal form and is also the active ingredient expected to be found in ecstasy pills. It is usually swallowed and is a stimulant drug that may also increase feelings of empathy.
NHS guidance on MDMA risks
Guidance on the NHS Inform website said: "Some ecstasy pills contain large amounts of MDMA, adding to the risks. You can also never be sure that any pill, powder or liquid actually contains what you're told it does."
The guidance added: "Pills, powders or crystals containing other drugs but sold as MDMA may take longer to take effect, so it's important to wait at least 2 hours before re-dosing, or avoid re-dosing altogether."
Using MDMA can lead to overheating and dehydration, with the risk greater if people are in a hot environment without taking breaks. It is important to stay hydrated. NHS Inform advises phoning 999 or going to A&E if you have taken MDMA and are overheating, fitting, disoriented, agitated, confused or becoming rigid.
Festival alert and welfare support
In the alert sent out by Creamfields this evening, it confirmed that some of the pills are making people feel "very unwell". It said: "If you are concerned or feel unwell, please go immediately to the Medical or Welfare tents on site."
The Medical Centre and Welfare Tent is located at the entrance to Downtown Village near the Steel Yard/Teletech Arena structure and is open 24 hours a day across the event weekend.
On its website, Creamfields said: "The Welfare Crew offers non-judgemental support to those vulnerable either through substance use, mental health, are a victim of an assault or sexual assault or those that are finding the festival environment too overwhelming in that moment."
"A festival atmosphere and large crowds can be a trigger for some people, and our Welfare Tent is a safe space facilitated by trained and experienced staff where people can be cared for until they feel able to head back into the festival if they wish."
Their staff come from a range of professional backgrounds including drug and alcohol services, mental health, social care, youth, and medical services, with all staff trained in safeguarding and supporting victims of assault and recognising mental health and how to give immediate support. The welfare team can also support you with arranging how to get home in an emergency, by making phone calls to family and friends to pick you up and then support you to the gates.
Medical advice for festival-goers
Further guidance advised festival-goers to avoid making their own way off site to hospital as access to medical treatment is available on site, and you may delay receiving treatment by trying to access health services elsewhere. If the medical site team do feel you need transfer to hospital services they will make the appropriate arrangements.
Creamfields in Daresbury regularly attracts around 80,000 people. Creamfields 2026 started this year on Thursday, August 27 and finishes on Sunday, August 30.
