POLICE made 17 arrests at Kendal Calling, with more than half of the people held suspected of drugs offences, it has been confirmed. 

Officers revealed the final figures of the action they took at the music festival a week on from the event, which attracted flocks of Furness and South Cumbria people. 

The festival was hit by tragedy after Christian Pay, 18, of Millom, died and eight others became seriously ill amid a drugs alert. 

Police have pointed out that around 25,000 people attended, with most of them enjoying it safely. 

A force spokesman said: “There were 17 arrests in total at this year’s Kendal Calling.” 

Nine, he added, were for alleged drugs offences; six were related to public order allegations, while there was a single arrest each for alleged assault and criminal damage. 

The figures came ahead of the opening of an inquest into the death of Mr Pay, who police believe died after taking rogue drugs at the festival. 

The the inquest will be opened on August 17 by Mr David Roberts, Cumbria HM Senior Coroner, and adjourned to December 21. 

Mr Pay died at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle. 

All those who were taken to hospital have been discharged. 

They included Jordan Blackburm, 20, of Millom, who has since made a passionate plea to other to avoid making the same mistake with drugs. 

The arrested people include four men, aged 18, 41, 44 and 54, all from Manchester, who were arrested by police on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs. 

They have been bailed. 

Following the events at Kendal Calling, the Association of Independent Festivals said it was "extremely saddened to hear about this incident and our thoughts and condolences are with the family". 

A spokesman added: "All of our member festivals including Kendal Calling operate a zero tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, in addition to sharing information and best practice around the issue. 

"Tragic occurrences such as this are relatively rare and organisers work incredibly hard to ensure that their events are safe, enjoyable experiences each summer."