Bestival, one of the largest music festivals in the UK, will introduce drug testing facilities for the first time in a bid to stop drug-related deaths.

The news comes after two young people died because of a drug-related incident at Portsmouth event Mutiny Festival.

Bestival, who are expecting more than 50,000 music fans for their August event, will hose the likes of London Grammar, Giles Peterson, Faithless, First Aid Kid, MIA and more on their stellar line-up this summer.

With drug usage at festivals becoming a highly discussed subject, Bestival themselves know the dangers all too well when 25-year-old Louella Michie died on their site after taking recreational drugs last year. The result was that Louella’s boyfriend was arrested.

Now, in a pioneering and forward thinking attempt to solve the issue, Bestival will introduce drug testing facilities of the first time. “In the interests of public safety, Bestival has always strongly advised festivalgoers to avoid taking any illegal substances,” a Bestival spokesperson told The Independent.

“However, harm reduction and customer welfare are our priorities, so we are working with agencies to explore all public health options to ensure audience choice and safety.”

Superintendent Mike Rogers, Dorset Police gold commander for Bestival, added: “We take the issue of drug use and supply very seriously and at last year’s event, officers arrested 24 people for possession with intent to supply drugs.

“Having built upon our experiences of policing Bestival in 2017, public safety continues to be paramount and we are exploring all safety options with our partners to ensure the event is a safe environment for all.”

See the full list of confirmed acts for Bestival 2018 so far below.