Splendour’s star-studded sideshow, Spin Off Festival, rolls into Adelaide Showground from 11am tomorrow (19 July), with headliners Childish Gambino and Catfish & The Bottlemen joining Australian acts Ocean Alley and Ballpark Music to entertain a sell-out crowd of 20,000 eager punters.
Festival goers can expect a highly visible and proactive South Australia Police presence, as foot, bicycle and Mounted Operations patrols keep a watchful eye on crowd behaviour.
The safety of festival-goers, as well as those living in or driving around Wayville, will be the foremost priority for SA Police, according to Superintendent Craig Wall, the officer in charge of Adelaide’s Eastern District.
“This is an all-ages event that will attract a young adult and underage crowd. We’d ask those attending to be mindful of their personal safety, look after their fellow ticket-holders, and make sensible choices,” said Superintendent Wall.
“Don’t spoil your own day, or someone else’s, by drinking to excess or behaving in a reckless, antisocial manner that threatens the safety of those around you.
“We’ll be helping to ensure that you can enjoy a safe, memorable event by looking out for intoxication, behavioural offences and illicit drug use.
“Police will also monitor the Showground’s fence lines, ensuring that only paid-up ticketholders are permitted inside the venue.
Police officers from Eastern District, supported by Dog Operations Unit, will be conducting an illicit drug detection operation throughout Spin Off.
“You will be refused entry, or evicted, if you’re found in possession of illegal substances at Spin Off,” Superintendent Wall warned.
“There’s no way of knowing what’s in a pill, or what adverse reactions an illicit substance might cause from one person to the next.
“Don’t gamble with your health, or risk a conviction, to line the pockets of criminals with no regard for your safety or enjoyment.”
Alongside foot and bicycle patrols, Mounted Operations officers will be in attendance, helping to monitor the venue, escort evictees and assist in the detection of fence jumpers.
Festival-goers can also expect to see Public Transport Safety Branch officers out and about on key transit platforms, including the Adelaide Showground train station, Goodwood train station and tram stop.
Spin Off is a licensed event. Upon entry, patrons must present identification to obtain age-appropriate wrist bands. Police will be watching out for minors consuming alcohol.
“If you do plan on drinking, set a sensible limit and don’t exceed it. Overindulging can place you at greater risk of becoming the victim of serious assault,” Superintendent Wall said.
“Most importantly, please don’t hesitate to seek help from SA Police, ambulance officers or event officials at the first sign of trouble.”
Police officers on foot patrol at the event will be wearing high visibility vests – making them easy to identify should anyone need help.
While police would urge anyone considering having a drink at the event to make alternative transport arrangements, those who do drive to the venue are also reminded to ensure they lock their vehicle and conceal any valuables.
Police remind motorists that between 9pm and 11.30pm on Friday, Hamilton Boulevard (southbound carriageway) and Rose Terrace, Wayville will be closed to vehicle traffic.
A 25km/h speed restriction will apply between 9am and 11.30pm in surrounding roads, including Leader St, Goodwood Rd, Greenhill Rd and Cooke Tce, Wayville, as well as Maple Ave and Ethel St, Forestville.
Drivers are asked to be alert to extra pedestrian traffic in the area.
