NSW Police Praise Listen Out Attendees, Charge 95 Of Them

The inaugural Listen Out festival kicked off in Sydney yesterday, with over 9000 happy punters attending the event. New South Wales Police praised the conduct of the Listen Out crowd, who were treated to performances by Disclosure and Azealia Banks, despite the day ending with 95 charges.

Police were in full-force, targeting drug and alcohol related crime and antisocial behaviour from the punters, bringing five sniffer dogs in tow. The day saw 95 people charged, with 92 detected carrying drugs, two charged with supplying drugs, and one with breaching bail.

Despite the charges, Operation Commander, Detective Superintendent Gavin Dengate this morning praised the punters’ behaviour, saying:

“The overwhelming majority of those attending were music lovers who wanted to have a fun and trouble-free afternoon. They behaved responsibly and helped ensure a great atmosphere for the event.

“Unfortunately, there were still some people who wanted to bring illegal drugs into the event but our police operation ensured that a large number of them were detected, charged and refused entry.

“Alcohol-related incidents and anti-social behaviour were certainly at a minimum and that’s testament to not only the police operation, but the working relationship we have with the festival’s promoters.”

Listen Out serves as a replacement for this year’s Parklife Festival, and aims to focus on a smaller, party-like atmosphere. The organisers were looking to scale back the typical dance festival furnishings, including gargantuan crowds, set clashes and number of stages. The maiden voyage, which took place in Sydney’s Centennial Park, appears to have been a success.

The festival trekked to Perth today and will be moving to Melbourne on Saturday, 5th October, before finishing off in Brisbane on Sunday, 6th October.

(Via theMusic.com.au)

Photos: Aluna George – Listen Out 2013, Sydney 28/09/13