The much anticipated Adelaide Fringe Festival will kick off tomorrow night bringing an array of events over 31 days and nights from Whyalla to Naracoorte and the City precinct.
With the next month set to bring a significant amount of people and movement throughout the state and particularly the City, SAPOL is urging patrons to exercise care, look after their property and be patient over the next month, as concurrent events draw hundreds of thousands of diverse visitors to the City.
As part of Operation City Safe (Fringe), members of the public can expect to see an increased police presence throughout the City.
“SAPOL will deploy a highly-visible presence over the coming weeks, including use of bicycle and foot patrols, e-scooters, mounted and dog operations as well as road policing officers,” said Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Operations Service, Scott Duval.
“This will help us to ensure public safety and to preserve the inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere of the Festival season,” said Assistant Commissioner Duval.
The City’s East End and surrounding area has once again been proclaimed a Declared Public Precinct (DPP). As part of DPP Legislation, any person or group within a DPP may be subject to a metal detector search by a Police Officer and may be ordered to leave the precinct should their behaviour pose a risk to public order and safety (Section 66R – Summary Offences Act).
During the Adelaide Fringe, the DPP will be in place in the region bounded by Bartels Road, Pirie Street, Pulteney Street, Grenfell Street, King William Street, North Terrace, Botanic Road and Dequetteville Terrace until 20 March 2022. The DPP in the City West entertainment district will also continue to be in place from 6:00pm until 6:00am each Friday and Saturday.
For more information about DPP’s, visit
In addition to this, Police will be conducting Operation Stop Drink/Drug Drive on Friday 18 February, with static and mobile drug and alcohol driver testing in place throughout the city and surrounding areas. A no-tolerance approach will be taken to drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs and police urge drivers make responsible decisions in relation to transport for the evening.
There will also be a number of road closures throughout the City during the Adelaide Fringe Festival with extended closures of the Rundle Street and East Terrace intersection during peak periods for the purpose of pedestrian safety..
We are keen for people to celebrate safely by following the COVID-19 safe practices such as staying home if unwell, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing masks where required, washing hands well and physically distancing wherever possible. Please also remember to scan the QR code when entering venues and adhere to any COVID-19 requirements specific to the events you attend.
Those heading out to enjoy the Fringe festivities are encouraged to enjoy the celebrations but to do so safely. SAPOL would like to highlight the following:
- Safety and assistance wristbands, developed by SAPOL and proudly supported by Neighbourhood Watch SA are available from the information booth (located inside the East Terrace entrance) in Gluttony in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka. These wristbands can be placed on children or vulnerable people. The wristbands provide a space where vital information about the wearer such as a phone number, medical advice, languages spoken, or details of any vulnerabilities can be noted, allowing an assisting person to provide relevant and immediate support if the wearer finds themselves lost or in need of help.
- Do not leave bags unattended, even if only to walk a short distance to get food or beverages.
- Plan your transport ahead. If you plan on drinking, organise a ride share, public transport or a lift with a designated sober driver. Please note that all Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams to and from the city are free between 12pm Friday and midnight Sunday during the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
- For those driving to and from the event, be patient and allow extra time to navigate road closures and possible delays.
- Look out for your friends and family.
- Report any suspicious behaviour immediately on the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or in an emergency please call Triple Zero.
- Stay hydrated particularly as we are now experiencing warmer days and nights.
- Before leaving the house, check the event’s website regarding any changes at the event as well as the SA Health website for any updates regarding COVID-19.
For more information on safety tips over the festival season, please visit
