The Montreal International Jazz Festival is planning extra security this year to protect certain members of the audience.
The measures come after a recent poll showed 55 per cent of women surveyed reported being sexually harassed at festivals.
Women, however, aren't the only ones the festival wants to protect: also focusing on other vulnerable groups including seniors and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Les Hirondelles, as they are known, will wander through and near the crowds, which often number 100,000 or more at Place des Festivals.
About 30 specially trained officers will wear the group’s logo and it will be visible on signs as well.
They will work alongside about 1,000 festival employees who are present to help festival goers.
The new security squad hopes to give vulnerable people a sense of safety and make everyone feel included.
The 38th edition of the jazz festival kicks off next Wednesday.
