Violence erupts at national festival in Vestmannaeyjar, prompting safety review

Violence marred the recent national festival in Vestmannaeyjar, prompting officials to reevaluate safety measures. The festival’s committee chair, Jónas Guðbjörn Jónsson, expressed deep concern over the incidents involving two young men who were assaulted during the event. “It is horrifying to hear about such violence. We condemn all forms of it and do not wish to see this at our national festival,” he stated, indicating a commitment to explore improvements in security protocols.

One young man was reportedly assaulted with a headbutt, placed in a chokehold, and repeatedly punched. His father criticized the festival’s response, claiming that despite showing signs of a concussion, his son was not transported to a hospital but instead treated at the first aid station. The next day, a fractured skull was diagnosed.

The festival employed around 100 security staff, alongside doctors and trauma teams, yet some residents question whether this level of policing is sufficient. A mother of another victim, who sustained 38 stitches after being struck in the head with a glass bottle, expressed dissatisfaction with the emergency response, stating that police were not alerted after the incident.

Jónas emphasized the need for a comprehensive review, saying, “We must look at what we can do better, including possibly banning glass bottles entirely in Herjólfsdal.” As discussions continue, the local community remains on alert and advocates for enhanced safety measures to prevent future outbreaks of violence at events.