Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s Splendour in the Grass music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures.

The music festival will return to the North Byron Parklands for the first time since 2019, with a high-visibility police operation underway during the three-day event, targeting illegal drug use and supply, alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.

An important note for parents of teens who do plan to attend, is that for the first time since Splendour began, there is a new Licensing restriction requiring all under 18's to be accompanied by an adult for the event, a restriction placed by the NSW Liquor and Licensing Board, prior to delivering the go ahead for Splendour in the Grass this week.

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 20 July 2022), with the festival officially kicking off on Friday 22 July 2022 and concluding on Sunday 24 July 2022.

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.

“It’s been a few years between events, we understand and appreciate patrons at this year’s Splendour in the Grass will be ecstatic to return to the North Byron Parklands and experience a festival vibe once more.

“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.

“Festival-goers who choose to do the wrong thing not only risk their own safety, but also the safety of others around them. Those who bring illicit substances can expect to be caught and dealt with accordingly.

“Prohibited drugs are illegal and potentially life-threatening, especially when combined with alcohol, so I urge everyone to behave responsibly. If you or one of your mates feels unwell, please seek professional medical attention at one of the medical tents on-site.

“We want Splendour to be an incident-free event. We will be there to uphold the law and ensure the safety of all festival-goers

“This also means being COVID-aware and helping festival staff maintain a COVID-Safe event for all attendees,” 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.

“Please be aware that many Northern NSW roads are still recovering from flood damage and may be closed due to repair works. Plan your route ahead of time, and check the Live Traffic website for up-to-date traffic conditions and local road closures.

“Officers will be conducting regular roadside drug and alcohol testing; anyone caught driving under the influence will be arrested.

“At this stage, we are forecasting some wet weather so please plan ahead, stick to the speed limit and ensure all passengers in your vehicle are wearing their seat belt – we want everyone to get to and from Splendour safely,” Supt Roptell said.

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/