People 'assisted' from crowd at Eurovision Big Welcome concert in Liverpool after safety fears

A number of fans were helped out of the Eurovision welcome party in Liverpool city centre - with many speaking of "horrendous issues" with crowd control.

The National Lottery's Big Eurovision Welcome was held at St George's Plateau to kick off the week of Eurovision in the city, with performances from Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Lightning Seeds and Atomic Kitten among others.

But fans have spoken of experiencing conditions which left many crying, fainting or unable to even move their arms.

Liverpool City Council said staff at the venue helped "a small number" of people who had felt uncomfortable during the event on Sunday night, 7 May.

Some people had raised concerns about the sheer volume of people in the space provided and how things were being managed by security.

A number were seen being carried over barriers to get out of the concert area after becoming distressed.

One attendee, Jess Swift, from Liverpool, said: “At first it was a good nice atmosphere, but all of a sudden the feeling began to change.

“There was a child no older then 10 next to me who was in tears as he was just getting pushed against this barrier.

“When it began to get busy, me and several people around asked security to help with crowd control on getting people to either side but nothing happened.

“Some had an argumentative attitude and didn’t want to help.”

She added that the production team “was more helpful and did a better job than security”, and that many fainted while at the event.

The regular concert-goer said that while she is used to crowds, the situation at the event was horrendous.

“I am used to crowds and the usual closeness and pushing but this was horrendous and nothing like I’ve ever seen before”, 18-year-old said.

“The organisers are so lucky the crowd helped each other out, otherwise that would’ve turned very badly.”

An announcer on stage said the concert would not be able to begin until people had spread out and stated the organisers did not expect the event to be as busy as it was.

The organisers later clarified that numbers were within those expected as it was a ticketed event.

Morgan, 24, who lives near Chester and attended with three other people, told PA that the “spectacular displays and great acts” were “sadly overshadowed by the lack of crowd control and organisation”.

“People were being told mixed messages, they were trying to push through past us to get to the other side, which we were told was blocked off and then they would come back.

“There was virtually no space to breathe.

“I saw girls crying and leaving. People were stressed and irritated. At one point we were shouting to get the attention of stewards (or) staff at the back, near the barriers, to get their attention, saying we need more space.

“I felt the whole thing was chaotic.”

She said that it was only in the last half an hour that attendees had a “bit” more breathing space, which was a “huge relief”.

Several people responded to a tweet by the council, which said the event had started on time and was running as planned.

One said: "Horrendous crowd management tonight, not to mention the @TNLUK presenter asking a the crowd to surge forward to get as close the the stage and cause several people to be crushed.

"Absolutely disgusting, never mind the bottleneck egress. This event needs serious reviewing!!"

Another added: "Are you seriously saying this? My girlfriend had to get carried over the barrier because it was so unsafe, and that was after ages of trying to get out.

"You trapped people in with barriers and didn't let people leave. Don't host 21,000 people if you can't keep them safe."

Other eyewitnesses described seeing people looking distressed and concerned at the overcrowding. One person at the concert said they had seen around 40 people being helped over the barriers.

Presenter Joel Dommett was then heard encouraging people in the crowd to spread out.

Claire McColgan, director of Culture Liverpool, issued a statement following the incident.

She said: “Event safety experts confirmed that at no point was anyone in danger, there were no serious medical incidents and we were comfortably within the available capacity.

“Before the event began, people were keen to gather in front of the stage and this caused a small number to feel uncomfortable.

“These individuals were helped out of that situation and the team then ensured this area remained safe and comfortable for those in it once the show started – which went off without any issues.”

Liverpool City Council spokesperson added: “Before the event began, people were keen to gather in front of the stage and this caused a small number to feel uncomfortable.

"These individuals were helped out of that situation and the team then ensured this area remained safe and comfortable for those in it once the show started – which went off without any issues.

''There has been overwhelmingly positive feedback to Sunday night, and we look forward to all our upcoming events celebrating Eurovision.”

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