EPIK music festival will be the next major event to host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
EPIK is the seventh festival to take part in the 12-month trial and will take place on Saturday 13 December at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
The free and anonymous drug checking service allows festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons are provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers are available on site to provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support and information about additional support services.
While illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the service is intended to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm but is not a guarantee of safety.
"This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks," Dr Chant said.
"Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe."
NSW Health is working closely with EPIK festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial.
The organisers of EPIK music festival said that drug checking was a welcome addition to the best-in-class health and safety initiatives and services undertaken at events to ensure good outcomes and unforgettable experiences for attendees.
"Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our patrons. Providing people with free, confidential and non-judgemental advice helps them makes better decisions," a spokesperson for EPIK music festival said.
"We're pleased to continue our support for NSW Health on this Government-led harm reduction initiative and are grateful to the many volunteers that assist the service."
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February next year when it will be independently evaluated.
The trial comes after the NSW Government's Drug Summit concluded in December 2024. The Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provided a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
Further information can be found at NSW drug checking trial.
More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on Your Room.
