Police are encouraging country music fans to plan ahead, drive safely, and party wisely to make the most of this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival.
As revellers descend on Tamworth for 10 days of non-stop music fun from today (Friday 13 January 2023), the high-visibility police operation, Operation Tamworth Country Music Festival 2023, will be in place throughout the event, which is one of the largest music festivals in Australia.
Western Region Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stephen Egginton, said police will be on hand to ensure that the community can safety enjoy Tamworth's largest annual event.
"The Tamworth Country Music Festival is a time of fun and excitement for country music fans and locals alike, and we expect an influx of thousands into the city during the festival," Assistant Commissioner Egginton said.
"We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festival in a safe and secure way so there will be a number of measures across the city to ensure this, including alcohol-free zones.
"The community should be aware that we will have licensing police in and around licensed venues to target alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour."
Assistant Commissioner Egginton said marked and unmarked cars will be patrolling roads in and around Tamworth, targeting speeding and dangerous driving behaviours.
"Officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will be conducting random breath tests, and anyone found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be charged," Assistant Commissioner Egginton said.
"We urge people to use the Festival Express bus service where possible to get around Tamworth, particularly if they are planning to drink.
"There will be a significant increase in traffic in the area and with a number of road closures in place for the duration of the festival.
"We are reminding motorists to plan their trip to Tamworth ahead of time and be mindful that delays in and around town are expected."
In respect to the crime prevention messaging can we also make reference to storing car keys securely and out of sight in caravans, tents and hotel accommodation
With thousands set to pour into Tamworth for the festivities and to camp in the area, Assistant Commissioner Egginton encouraged campers to take some simple precautions to reduce the risk of crime.
"We know that camping is a big part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and we want everyone to feel safe and secure," Assistant Commissioner Egginton said.
"We urge people to look out for themselves and each other and to contact police immediately if you see anything suspicious or in the case of an emergency."
Tips for campers and travellers include:
- Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking
- Store car keys securely and out of sight in caravans, tents and hotel accommodation
- Get to know your surrounding campers
- Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight. This includes laptops, phones and iPads.
- 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 campervan
- Plan for changes to 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.
