Max HeyraudThe HSE and Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency (PHA) have launched a joint cross-border harm reduction campaign aimed at people attending festivals and nightlife events across Ireland this summer.
The collaboration marks the first coordinated all-island public health response focused specifically on drug-related harms within nightlife and festival culture, as concerns continue to grow around high-strength MDMA, ketamine-related health issues and the emergence of so-called “pink cocaine” powders in circulation.
With thousands expected to travel between Ireland and Northern Ireland for festivals, club events and gigs over the coming months, both agencies say shifting drug markets and increasingly unpredictable substances are creating new risks for partygoers.
“As more people travel for festivals and dance events, it’s important to recognise that the drug market has changed and you may come in contact with different drug trends in different locations.”
According to figures released by the HSE Emerging Drug Trends Lab, more than 40 per cent of MDMA samples analysed last year contained over twice the average adult dose, exceeding 200mg.
The agencies also warned against the growing prevalence of pink powders marketed as “pink cocaine”, which they say rarely contain cocaine and instead often consist of mixtures of ketamine, stimulants and synthetic substances.
Nicki Killeen, the HSE’s Emerging Drug Trends Manager, said the increasing potency of substances across Ireland reflects wider trends seen throughout the UK and Europe.
“If it’s pink, stop and think; pink powders ‘pink cocaine’ rarely contain cocaine and often include a mixture of ketamine and new drugs, making it unpredictable.”
The campaign is informed by new research conducted within us at Four Four Magazine, which found that nightlife audiences are travelling frequently for events and regularly encountering drugs within social settings.
Among respondents, 35 per cent said they planned to attend more than five festivals this summer, while over half of participants in the Republic of Ireland said they expected to travel abroad, including to Northern Ireland, for events.
Almost 90 per cent of respondents reported that drug use occurs within their peer groups when travelling to festivals.
The study also highlighted the rise of cathinones such as mephedrone and 3MMC within nightlife settings, mirroring wider trends across European club culture.
Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Substance Use at the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland, said the campaign prioritises practical harm reduction messaging rather than moralising around drug use.
“It is, of course, safer not to use drugs at all, however, we know that some people may choose to use substances at festivals, and our priority is to help reduce the possible harm.”
The campaign encourages people to avoid mixing substances, stay hydrated, monitor friends for signs of distress and seek medical assistance early if needed.
Both agencies are also urging attendees to stay informed about current drug trends and potency warnings throughout the summer festival season.
