Police are urging festivalgoers at this weekend's Splendour in the Grass music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, with a key message to 'look out for your mates'.
The music festival is returning to North Byron Parklands for its 21st year, with a high-visibility police operation underway during the event, targeting alcohol-fuelled violence, anti-social behaviour and illegal drug use and supply.
The operation will involve officers from Tweed/Byron Police District, Northern Region general duties officers, the NSW Police Dog Unit and other specialist command support.
Attendees will start arriving today (Wednesday 19 July 2023), with the festival officially kicking off on Friday 21 July 2023 and concluding Sunday 23 July 2023.
Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent Dave Roptell, said police want to ensure attendees have a safe and enjoyable festival experience, but are aware of the consequences of risky and illicit behaviour.
"Police have been working closely with event organisers and stakeholders for months leading up to this weekend's event, to ensure the safety of all staff, performers and music fans throughout the festival.
"Those who choose to do the wrong thing risk spoiling the event for themselves and others, and those who bring illicit substances can expect to be caught and dealt with accordingly," Supt Roptell said.
Superintendent Roptell said that all festivalgoers had a role to play in looking out for each other.
"Drink plenty of water, have appropriate sun protection, and keep an eye on your mates – ensure they don't wander off alone, and if they appear unwell, seek professional medical attention immediately," Supt Roptell said.
In addition to the operation at the festival site, officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will be deployed to the region to target speeding, drink-and-drug-driving and other dangerous driver behaviour to ensure everyone gets to and from the event safely.
"We are preparing for a considerable increase in traffic throughout the Byron Shire before, during, and after the festival – particularly on the Pacific Highway.
"Our advice is to plan your route ahead of time and check the Live Traffic website for up-to-date traffic conditions and local road closures," Supt Roptell said.
"Officers will be conducting regular roadside drug and alcohol testing; anyone caught driving under the influence will be dealt with seriously."
For traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com. Important event information, including items banned from the festival and campgrounds can be found at: https://splendourinthegrass.com/
