South Australia Police (SAPOL) officers will be on the beat during the much-anticipated Adelaide Fringe Festival, set to draw millions to the city and other areas throughout the state from tomorrow.
Police will have a highly visible presence during the Fringe season, running between Friday, 16 February and Sunday, 17 March 2024, particularly at the Garden of Unearthly Delights in Rundle Park / Kadlitpina and Gluttony in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka.
"Operation Adelaide Fringe Festival 2024 will see the deployment of foot and bicycle patrols, along with police horses, dogs and Public Transport Safety Branch members to monitor road users, crowds and manage any anti-social behaviour," Police Commander Superintendent Scott Denny said.
"With any major event comes a higher risk of incidents that require a police response, and we urge anyone attending to be respectful, act responsibly and to look out for your friends and family.
"Free safety and assistance wristbands are available at Fringe information booths for children and vulnerable people. Before leaving home, talk to your children about what they should do if becoming lost, and encourage them to seek help from a police officer."
The 'Adelaide Fringe Festival 2024' Declared Public Precinct (DPP) will be in place for a 12-hour period from 6pm to 6am every night during the Fringe period, in addition to the city-west DPP already in place.
"SA Police are able to perform a number of measures in the DPP, including conducting metal detector searches, drug searches, ordering people to leave or banning people from the vicinity," Supt Denny said.
"This will help to maintain public safety and order, and to preserve the inclusive, family-friendly nature of the festival."
Festival goers are reminded to take responsibility for their belongings and leave the vanishing acts to magicians. If parking in the area, make sure vehicles are secure and valuables are hidden from sight. Do not leave personal items unattended, even if walking only a short distance to get food or beverages.
While road safety is important year-round, Fringe festival attendees should pay extra attention to pedestrians, and plan their journeys to and from the event ahead of time.
"Pedestrians who have been drinking may be inattentive or unpredictable," Supt Denny added.
"Plan your transport ahead if you plan on drinking. Catch an Uber, taxi, public transport or car pool.
"Be careful on the roads; allow extra time for getting to and from the event to allow for road closures and delays."
A number of road closures will affect traffic throughout the city during the festival, including extended closures of the Rundle Street and East Terrace intersection during peak periods. Rundle Street will also be closed during the East End Unleashed event, along with road restrictions around Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga.
More road closure information may be found on the City of Adelaide Council website.
Adelaide Fringe Festival 2024 ambassador and performer Isaac Humphries, Adelaide Fringe CEO & Artistic Director Heather Croall and South Australia Police Chief Inspector Damien Eichner remind festival patrons to have a safe and fun festival, following a launch at Hindmarsh Square.
