Rockville Festival expected to draw large crowds to Daytona Beach with improved safety precautions
The LocalRockville Festival in Daytona Beach is gearing up to welcome a record number of attendees this year. With enhanced safety measures in place, organizers are determined to ensure a fun and secure experience for all music enthusiasts making their way to North America’s largest rock festival.
Heat has been a significant concern for organizers, prompting them to address this issue proactively. Chamie McCurry, the General Manager of Danny Wimmer Presents, highlighted the steps being taken to combat the heat. “We are going to have three times the shade structures we had last year, 50 percent more free water throughout the venue, and we have brought in a professional company with misting stations,” McCurry explained. These measures aim to keep festival-goers comfortable and safe while enjoying the music.
Transforming the Daytona International Speedway into the “World Center of Rock,” crews are busy setting up stages and conducting final sound checks ahead of performances by renowned bands like Linkin Park, Shinedown, and Green Day. Since relocating to Daytona Beach in 2021, the festival has seen a steady increase in attendance by 10 percent each year, and this year is expected to be no different. McCurry expressed excitement about the anticipated record-setting crowds of 55,000 attendees per day.
Over 150 bands are scheduled to perform across five stages, providing a diverse range of music for attendees to enjoy. In response to security issues faced at last year’s festival, Border Patrol Agents are collaborating with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office to ensure a safe environment for all participants. Sheriff Mike Chitwood mentioned a previous incident involving a South American Transatlantic gang stealing personal belongings from over 500 concert-goers, resulting in arrests of individuals who had entered the country illegally. This year, with the assistance of Border Patrol Agents, law enforcement authorities are better prepared to address any potential security threats.
The festival is set to kick off on Thursday and run through Sunday, offering attendees a weekend filled with music, entertainment, and fun. With safety measures in place, including increased shade structures, free water stations, and heightened security presence, organizers are committed to making the LocalRockville Festival a memorable and secure event for all who attend.