We join forces to tackle drink spiking at GuilFest
We join forces to tackle drink spiking at GuilFest
- We have partnered with Guildford Borough Council and charity Stamp Out Spiking for an anti-drink spiking campaign
- Over 200 festivalgoers met the team and shared personal experiences
- We distributed 10,000 anti-spiking kits to help prevent spiking
We are working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and leading anti-spiking charity Stamp Out Spiking to raise awareness of this fast-growing crime.
With cases of drink spiking rising 108 per cent since 2015, and Guildford identified as an area with particularly high rates, Wates has created this partnership and is leading a campaign to provide both awareness and practical support.
Last weekend, at GuilFest festival in Stoke Park, Guildford, our Construction, Residential and SES Engineering Services businesses engaged with more than 200 people on the issue, ranging from students and young people to parents and professionals. Many of these festivalgoers shared their personal experiences of drink spiking.
Drink covers, designed to prevent substances from being added to drinks, were distributed to all event bars, so that staff could offer them to attendees as well as 10,000 anti-spiking kits. Additional supplies were provided to security teams for use at future events.
The initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to delivering social value and community wellbeing in the communities where we work. Our Residential business is delivering 249 new homes as a development partner to Guildford Borough Council.
Our social value managers attended the GuilFest event to support the Stamp Out Spiking campaign, which marks the beginning of ongoing local engagement, including activity planned for Freshers’ Week at the University of Surrey later this year.
We were delighted to be part of such a fantastic event. GuilFest gave us an invaluable opportunity to connect with a wide audience and share our key safeguarding messages. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, from the festival organisers to bar staff and security. The festival goers loved our StopTopps, (protective drink covers). We’re proud to partner with Wates and grateful for their continued support in raising awareness and educating on these invisible crimes, tackling the issue of spiking.”
Dawn Dines
CEO, Stamp Out Spiking at Stamp out Spiking
I’m incredibly proud of the way our teams came together at GuilFest 2025 to support such an important cause. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in raising awareness about the dangers of drink spiking. Working in partnership with Stamp Out Spiking and engaging directly with the community, we’re helping to create safer environments for everyone. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to stand against drink spiking.”
Mark Craig
Managing Director at Wates Construction South
Our teams spent the weekend at GuilFest raising awareness of drink spiking, an issue that sadly affects so many. Partnering with Stamp Out Spiking, they spoke to festivalgoers, shared advice, and handed out protective covers to help people feel more informed and supported. If even one person left feeling safer, that’s a day well spent. We’re proud of everyone involved for making such a meaningful contribution to the community and for bringing the Wates purpose to life.”
Lee Bushall
Regional Managing Director at Wates Residential South
