ÎleSoniq, Montreal’s electronic music festival, is facing backlash after introducing a strict transparent bag policy just days before the weekend-long event. “I already own several fanny packs that I use for festivals, so it was annoying having to find a new one only days before Île Soniq,” said festivalgoer and Concordia University PhD candidate Nina Nesdoly. “My friends and I plan our outfits in advance, and none of mine have pockets, so I rely on a fanny pack for my belongings.” She pointed out that the purchase was an extra expense she “wasn’t planning on.” “It took nearly an hour browsing online to find a transparent fanny pack that would arrive in time,” she told CTV News. “I’m now concerned about theft and want my belongings where I can see them.” She added that she’s concerned the organizers are relying on “transparency” rather than adequate bag searches and security. “I worry about my personal safety during the event as my belongings will be visible in my bag and pickpocketing is a big problem at festivals,” she said. “I have a scarf to line the inside of my bag with once I’m through security so that people cannot see where my phone and wallet are.” Online outrage Reaction to the policy was swift on social media, with attendees demanding that they should have been told earlier to accommodate what they called a last-minute requirement. “I specifically bought an anti-theft fanny pack for this reason, and now I’m not allowed to bring it,” lamented one person. “Requiring clear fanny packs makes our valuables visible and potentially puts us at greater risk.” “How are we supposed to get a clear fanny pack delivered in three days?” asked another, pointing out that “clear bags are recipes for pick-pockets and thieves.” Transparency policy Following the outrage, ÎleSoniq organizers took to social media on Tuesday to clarify the new rule. The festival explained that all backpacks, handbags and fanny packs must be transparent and no larger than 30 cm x 30 cm x 23 cm (12″ x 12″ x 9″). Hydration bags will be allowed onsite, though they must be empty upon admission and will be subject to inspection by security staff at the entrance. “There will be dedicated entry lines for festivalgoers carrying hydration bags,” organizers said. However, bags used for childcare, accessibility, medical and other essential reasons will be permitted, “after inspection by security personnel and in compliance with the maximum permitted dimensions.” The festival is slated for Aug. 8 to 9 at Parc Jean-Drapeau, with ÎleSoniq in the city on Aug. 7.
