Safety top priority ahead of Newcastle music festivals this weekend, NSW

Police are urging event goers to enjoy themselves at two music festivals this weekend in Newcastle but warned they won’t tolerate risky behaviour.

The “This That” Music Festival will be held at Wickham Park, Newcastle from 1.30pm on Saturday 9 November 2019 and the “Scene and Heard” festival will be held the following day (Sunday 10 November 2018) from 12:30pm at the same location.

Organisers are expecting up to 20,000 people to attend the festivals over the weekend.

A police operation will be conducted involving officers from Newcastle City Police District, with the assistance from the NSW Police Dog Unit.

Newcastle City Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Gerard Lawson said the vast majority of patrons are well-behaved year on year, however police will act if people choose to break the law.

“These music events attract thousands of people from across the Hunter and up from Sydney. We want everyone to enjoy both events this weekend, but we want them to always have their safety and the safety of others at the front of their minds.

“Police will not tolerate any form of anti-social or criminal behaviour and will be targeting any illegal activity as well as alcohol-related crime. Please behave responsibly and look out for each other – if someone isn’t feeling well, make sure you seek medical assistance immediately,” Act Supt Lawson said.

Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed to the area to make sure festival-goers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.

“Community safety is our top priority, and we urge music fans and other Novocastrians to take care in and around the event site. Stay alert while behind the wheel, and always have a Plan B.

“Poor choices can have serious consequences and we urge all people attending these festivals to remain safe, look after your friends, and don’t risk your health or the health of others,” Act Supt Lawson said.

/Public Release. View in full here.