Police have launched a high-visibility operation for this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival to ensure country-music fans enjoy the event safely.
Operation Tamworth Country Music Festival 2024 will be in place for the duration of the event which starts today (Friday 19 January 2024) and runs until Sunday 28 January 2024.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is Australia's largest music festival, with a program featuring 700 artists and more than 2800 events, across 10 days.
General duties officers from Oxley Police District and across Western Region will be assisted by specialist police from the Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree APM said, police will be out in force focusing on road safety, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.
"Thousands of people make the annual journey to be involved in the festival, and while the vast majority are well-behaved, police will act swiftly if you choose to do the wrong thing," Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
"Everyone should be able to enjoy the event in Tamworth safely, but not at the expense of other people's safety, so make sure you behave responsibly."
"Police will not tolerate any form of dangerous or criminal behaviour and alcohol-free zones in the CBD will be enforced," Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed to ensure country-music fans and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
"We urge people to use the Festival Express bus service where possible to get around Tamworth, particularly if they are planning to drink.
Attendees are also reminded that there will be a number of alcohol-free zones throughout the Tamworth CBD for the safety and security of all festival-goers and the wider community.
"Camping is a popular choice among festival-goers – so take care of yourself and your belongings while in and around the event precinct," Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
Police offer the following safety and security tips for campers:
• Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking;
• Get to know your surrounding campers;
• In large crowds, be mindful of your own safety and security as well as that of people around you;
• Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight;
• Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended;
• Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent;
• Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or camper;
• Plan for changes in weather conditions;
• Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles;
• Report any suspicious behaviour to police.
For comprehensive event details, visit the official festival website: www.tcmf.com.au
Special-event traffic information can be found at: www.livetraffic.com.
