Thirty-five thousand people, 35 musical acts performing across four stages for an epic 12 hours - Electric Avenue is a big day for music fans and police alike.
Now in its ninth year, Aotearoa’s largest one-day music festival lit up Christchurch’s Hagley Park on the last Saturday of summer, attracting a diverse crowd reflective of the equally diverse artist line-up.
For local police, planning started well in advance and involved teams across Prevention, Intel, Alcohol Harm Reduction and Organised Crime, as well as Customs.
Senior Sergeant Roy Appley leads the morning briefing.
Since its debut in 2015, Electric Avenue has grown from an audience of 8000 to 35,000. Interest from artists at home and overseas is also growing, so organisers have plans to expand the festival to two days.
Operation Commander Senior Sergeant Roy Appley says, given some of the issues the festival has experienced in the past, there was a lot riding on this year’s event.
“Drug use and intoxication have been prevalent among festival-goers and last year there were issues at the gate with queues.”
Police have worked closely with organisers who, Roy says, have been receptive to changes aimed at keeping people safe.
“This year, the queues were very well managed. Security was increased to around 300 staff, and they did a great job searching bags at the entrance and dealing with things like fence-jumpers and evictions.”
Over the course of the day, there were four hospitalisations, 131 evictions and five arrests, with charges including Disorderly Behaviour, Drugs, Obstruction, Resists Police, Fighting in a Public Place and Common Assault.
In the morning before the event, Roy dealt with a burglary at an inner-city hotel. Among the stolen items was a woman’s phone with her Electric Avenue ticket on it. When she was refused entry, she was thrilled to run into Roy who explained the situation and arranged her entry.
Police’s Alcohol Harm Prevention team also worked closely with organisers in the lead up to the event and on the day.
“The days started with a maximum of two drinks per person,” explains Roy, “and on our team’s advice that was reduced to one in the early evening."
Drug harm reduction was also a key focus area for Police. Prior to and during the festival, Police engaged with the National Drug Intelligence Bureau (NDIB), Know your Stuff, Hato Hone St John, Customs, security and the hospital emergency department.
Seized drugs were tested at the event and the information was shared with medical staff so they would know what they were dealing with should a festival attendee require medical attention due to drug use.
“It’s all very well when things go as expected,” says Roy. “But if the unexpected happened, such as an earthquake, gas explosion or an attack of some kind, we have to be prepared for that too.
“We make sure staff and event organisers are aware of the Crowded Places Strategy, so everyone is prepared to react quickly if required.
“On the whole, it was a fantastic day. The energy was awesome and there was a real festival atmosphere. Our staff enjoyed it too.”