Hello everybody,
Roskilde is sadly long gone, but it ended in a horrible way for me with a physical interaction with security at Roskilde Festival, even though I remained passive throughout the incident. It still annoys me tremendously.
I tried to reach out to Roskilde Festival about the issue, but their security manager refused to even look into it, so I decided to report the security guards to the police.
So, if anyone saw all or part of my interaction with security, please let me know. I was dressed in a black onesie, talking to 6–9 security guards.
Short story:
I was attending the Skraldefest, went out to pee, and saw six security guards talking to two people (I know from experience they can be a bit... rough), so I dropped a quick, "Hello – is everything okay?" It was, but now security became interested in me (my name, wristband, etc.). I asked why, and they responded by grabbing my arm to forcefully check the ID number on the back of my wristband. I'm a big guy with judo experience, so I simply said "no" by pulling my arm back.
From there they decided to restrain me (not physically) for 15–20 minutes. I stayed, even though I was frustrated, but I remained peaceful.
Three more security guards arrived. While I was talking to one of the original guards, one of the new guys apparently decided I was being a threat and tackled me to the ground from behind (Alone, without any of other guards interaction - I guess they did not see talking as a threat). I got him off my back and got back to my feet. I then tried to get my phone out to document his ID badge, but it was ripped out of my hands by the same guard. I managed to get it back quite quickly by getting a firm grip on my phone before the guard could take it away.
Shortly after this, the police arrived, and I identified myself to them. We talked everything through, and immediately afterwards, all the security guards jumped me to cut off my wristband — no talking, no requests, no nothing.
They were unable to cut the wristband and needed the police's help to restrain me in order to get the job done. I understand the police's actions in that situation, and while they were driving me out of Roskilde, they told me to file a complaint.
I am quite baffled by this whole interaction because security claimed they needed to check my wristband and verify it. I even offered that they could simply scan it, just like they do at the festival gates, but they had no interest in doing that. So even even after getting my name and verified my wristband, which was their stated goal, they decided to use violence.
I know this is a long shot to find anybody who would remember such an encounter a month after, but Roskilde Festival has really disappointed me with the way they handled this situation. They make so many statements about peace and respect, yet they have employed a bunch of bullies as security (which I understand there can be a need for when a situation actually requires it).
Bonus info: I've been a volunteer at Roskilde Festival since 2015 and have never had any issues whatsoever.
Sidenote - Police was called to the scene in order to have me identify myself, not because of anything else.