Police are urging revellers to make good decisions, look out for each other, and enjoy ‘Festival X’ safely this weekend.
Festival X will run between 1pm and 11pm tomorrow (Saturday 30 November 2019) at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
With more than 45,000 music fans expected to attend the over 18s event, police will provide a highly visible presence to ensure a safe environment.
The police operation is led by South West Metropolitan Region and will also include officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, the Dog Unit, the Mounted Unit and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell, said the safety of festival-goers is the number one priority.
“We have been working closely with the event organisers and other stakeholders to ensure Festival X is safe and fun for everyone,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
“As would be expected, criminal behaviour will not be tolerated, but police and security will also be on the look-out for unsafe behaviour. Anyone displaying behaviour that impacts on the enjoyment of others will be ejected from the venue and dealt with accordingly.”
Assistant Commissioner Thurtell added that anyone who brings prohibited drugs to the festival should expect to be caught – and dealers will be charged.
“Illegal drug possession offences can be dealt with by way of a Drug Criminal Infringement Notices (CINs) of up to $400 – which is part of a NSW Government trial,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
“That process is limited to possession, and anyone thinking they will use this event as an opportunity to make a profit through drugs is reminded we will be proactively targeting supply, which includes covert operations.
“I want to remind revellers that MDMA and other illicit substances are dangerous and potentially life-threatening, and various environmental factors can impact the way in which the body reacts after consumption.
“With warm weather anticipated for Saturday, we strongly encourage revellers to be sun smart, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water – rather than alcohol – try to find shade to keep cool and have a plan in case you or a friend feels unwell.
“There will be medical facilities available at the festival, and I urge anyone who suspects a friend, or another festival-goer may be unwell – for whatever reason – get them proper medical care immediately,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
Preservation of life is a law enforcement priority. The NSW Police Force policy is available online:
Police will also be targeting anti-social behaviour in and around the venue, as well as on the public transport network.
“This will be the second major festival of the season, and we want Festival X to be an incident-free day,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
“It’s important to check the conditions of entry on the event website, including information about prohibited items and expected patron behaviour.
“We aren’t there to spoil anyone’s fun, however if you break the law or create issues for other revellers, we will act swiftly to remove you from the event.”
For all event information – including what you can/can’t bring – visit
Ticketholders are reminded that parking will be limited at the event and are encouraged to leave the car at home and catch public transport.
Visit or call 131 500 for all the latest timetables for Sydney Showground Services and ticketing information for trains, buses and ferries, as well as taxi rank information.
If you must drive, allow plenty of time to travel to and from Sydney Olympic Park and avoid expect delays, particularly at the conclusion of the event.
For up-to-the minute traffic information, visit .
