As police and the council prepare for what could be the busiest night of the year this Saturday those wanting a boozy Halloween night out might have to prepare for some unexpected measures. As Halloween and the rugby World Cup final loom nearer Wind Street is set for a whole lot of spooky and sporty celebrations on October 28.
In preparation South Wales Police said crowd control barriers may be in place across the various entry points to Wind Street if needed to help control footfall. Swansea Council have asked those enjoying a night out in Swansea to consider arriving earlier to beat the queues. Castle Bailey Street will be closed to traffic from 8pm on Saturday, October 28, to 6am on Sunday, October 29, and neighbouring Caer St will be partially closed to traffic at the same time but its taxi rank will remain open, said a council spokesman.
Police chief inspector James Ratti said: “A multi-agency command room will be monitoring the footfall on Wind Street during Saturday night and will collectively make a decision to place crowd control barriers across the various entry points to Wind Street if it deemed they are needed.
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“These barriers are the waist-height type of barrier that many would associate with queuing at venues. They will enable ourselves and our partners to make sure that the footfall is kept to a manageable level that ensures the safety of everyone present is not jeopardised." You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
In a post on social media a South Wales Police spokesman added that last year's Halloween celebrations were most likely the busiest night of the year in Wind Street. While police will be introducing a number of measures they added: "Rest assured that the venues will be open as usual on Saturday night but if you’re heading to Wind Street we recommend that you aim to be there well before the ‘Witching Hours’ in order to avoid any queues. Please remember to be respectful to others including those working on your behalf to keep everyone safe."
A council spokesman said: “We work successfully around the year with others, including the police, businesses, volunteers and Swansea BID, to help keep people safe on night out in Swansea. This Saturday night is expected to be busier than normal so we ask those visiting the venues to consider arriving earlier than normal to beat the queues and to be respectful to others, including those working on the public’s behalf.
“The night’s plans include Castle Bailey Street being closed to traffic from 8pm to 6am Sunday. Diversions will be in place. The neighbouring Caer St is due to be partially closed to traffic at the same times; its taxi rank remains open. We thank everybody for their understanding.”
