Police have launched a high-visibility operation for this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival to ensure country-music fans enjoy the event safely.
Operation Tamworth Country Music Festival 2022 will be in place for the duration of the event which starts today (Monday 18 April 2022) and runs until Sunday 24 April 2022.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Tamworth Country Music Festival is Australia’s largest music festival, with a program featuring 700 artists and more than 2800 events, across 7 days.
General duties officers from Oxley Police District and across Western Region will be assisted by specialist police from the Operations Support Group (OSG), the Dog and Mounted Unit, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Commander, Superintendent Kylie Endemi said, police will be out in force focusing on road safety, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.
“Thousands of people make the annual journey for the festival, and while the vast majority are well-behaved, police will take swift action against those who choose to do the wrong thing,” Supt Endemi said.
“Everyone should be able to have a good time and enjoy the event in Tamworth, but not at the expense of other people’s safety, so make sure you behave responsibly.”
Attendees are also reminded that there will be a number of alcohol-free zones throughout the Tamworth CBD for the safety of all festivalgoers and the wider community.
“We know that alcohol impairs people’s judgment and can lead to very poor decision making, so we encourage festivalgoers to know your limits and not take risks that could lead to becoming a victim of crime or an offender.
“Police will not tolerate dangerous, criminal or any other type of behaviour, which may impact on the safety of others – whether at the festival or around town,” Supt Endemi said.
Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will also be deployed to ensure country-music fans and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
“We are expecting a significant increase in traffic throughout the event, so to help ease congestion, we recommend festivalgoers make use of the ‘Festival Express’ service,” Supt Endemi said.
“For those who must drive, expect to see an increased presence of police on all major roads and back streets targeting the Fours Ds – drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.”
Supt Endemi added that camping is a popular choice among festivalgoers and urged people to take care of themselves and their belongings.
“We are again expecting large crowds at the campsites and encourage campers to be mindful of your safety, as well as the safety of others,” Supt Endemi said.
“It is also important to consider the security of your belongings – we recommend leaving valuables at home, and what you do bring with you, don’t leave it unattended in tents or vehicles.
“If you feel unsafe at any time, contact on-site security or police. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.”
Police offer the following safety and security tips for campers:
• Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking;
• Get to know your surrounding campers;
• In large crowds, be mindful of your own safety and security as well as that of people around you;
• Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight;
• Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended;
• Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent;
• Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or camper;
• Plan for changes in weather conditions;
• Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles;
• Report any suspicious behaviour to police.
For comprehensive event details, visit the official festival website: www.tcmf.com.au
Special-event traffic information can be found at: www.livetraffic.com
