Citizenship
Paradise City Festival 2023
Paradise City Festival operates a safer space policy.
Please take a minute to update yourself on our philosophy and HELP US MAKE PARADISE CITY A safer PLACE WHERE EVERYONE FEELS COMFORTABLE.
Paradise City is a shared space for kindness, creativity, music and enjoyment. Our goal at Paradise City Festival has always been to create a delightful and lovely experience for all attendees. In addition, we strive to contribute to a safer and more inclusive music scene. We use the term “safer” instead of “safe” intentionally, recognizing that creating a space where a diverse group of people gather without any risks is nearly impossible. We cannot anticipate every situation or control every person’s behaviour, but we acknowledge our collective responsibility to protect the well-being of visitors, artists and crew members.
As you step into our festival, you actively participate in ensuring a comfortable and respectful atmosphere for everyone. We believe caring for each other’s safety is crucial to being human. So help each other out and have respect and understanding for others and yourself.
Here are some vital elements for positive vibes and essential guidelines. So please, take your time to read them carefully.
1. A zero-tolerance policy
We celebrate the uniqueness of our visitors, and we aim to provide a space where everybody feels safe and accepted. Ensuring the well-being of everyone is our top priority. We know that many individuals have experienced situations that made them feel unsafe and uncomfortable. Therefore, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and other forms of intimidation. We firmly condemn bullying, harassment, stealing or vandalizing. We do not tolerate any type of discrimination, including sexism, racism, ableism, homo- or transphobia, and any other form of bias. Safety is not a trend. It’s a fundamental human right.
If you ever feel unsafe, uncomfortable, unwell or encounter unwanted behaviour, please talk to our Angels of Paradise or inform security, bar staff or any staff members. The Angels team can be recognized by their pink vests, and they will be present throughout the festival. These are well-informed people who are aware of our policies and procedures. They are here to offer you help and to assist you to the best of our abilities. Any breach of these rules or discriminatory behaviour will result in exclusion from the festival.
2. Boundaries and personal space
Take into account your own boundaries. Be mindful of the energy you bring with you. We kindly ask everyone to respect personal space while dancing. It is crucial to respect individual boundaries and to act accordingly to the principle of consent. Only a clear and enthusiastic “yes” means “yes”. So please, ask for consent.
Furthermore, we expect all festivalgoers to respect the sexualities, identities and bodies of those around them. The space belongs to everyone. Do not make discriminatory or inappropriate comments regarding somebody’s appearance, gender expression, sexuality, religious expression, disability and/or ethnicity. At Paradise City, we welcome people as they are. Everyone has the right to enjoy music, and it is as simple as that. Respecting everyone’s body and consent is the key to ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
3. Protect your ears
Please protect your ears. Bring ear-plugs or get them at the info booth.
4. Our green policy
We work tirelessly to ensure our festival can take place in our beautiful location. The only way we keep it that way is with your cooperation. Please consider the environment when enjoying the festival. Be mindful of your waste.
Use the portable ashtrays we provide, or keep your cigarette butts in your pocket for disposal. If you don’t have an ashtray, ask a friend or a stranger or locate a nearby bin for proper disposal. Remember, the same principle applies to all forms of litter – always place them in a trash can.
Also, don’t forget to use the toilets; they are here for a reason! And take care of your waste on the campsite!
You can always learn more about our green goals and measures to make sure we minimize our impact here.
5. Drugs
Consumption of drugs is prohibited on our premises. Also, anyone found drugging someone else without their knowledge will be reported to the authorities.
Be aware of the behavioural consequences when using substances (alcohol is also a drug). Stay hydrated! We encourage you to party safely. Know your limits and know your body. Preserve your physical, emotional and psychological health. Go easy on yourself when in doubt, and don’t forget to look after your friends.
You (and you alone) should have a say in your consumption. Peer pressure is challenging to overcome, but recognizing everyone has their own way of partying is essential. So, please, don’t be ashamed to stay sober, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.
6. The Angels of Paradise
If you encounter any issues or have questions, our team of volunteers, known as the Angels of Paradise, can be easily identified by their pink vests. They will happily give a helping hand and will kindly guide you throughout the festival. This team has been trained to handle difficult situations and will help you recover safely. You can go to them with any issue, big or small.
Be an active bystander! If someone is not feeling well or needs assistance, please prioritize helping the victim and immediately inform one of our Angels. There will be a dedicated Healing Room and a first aid post on-site. Looking out for friends and others extends beyond the festival grounds. So make sure to keep an eye out while travelling home!
Any incidents can also be reported to our confidential email: tellus@paradisecity.be during and after the festival. Please email us if anything occurred during the event that we should be aware of. We can only learn and grow if we know what happens.
Remember, be kind to each other, enjoy the music and dance until you drop! See you on the dancefloor.
