The Adelaide Showgrounds will welcome some 20,000 eager music-lovers, and more than 28 Aussie and international artists as Groovin the Moo (GTM) returns to Wayville this Friday.
Police anticipate an enjoyable event, but will be on the lookout for intoxication, drug use, fence jumping and antisocial behaviour.
Chief Inspector Matt Nairn of Eastern District says the safety and welfare of festival-goers, as well as those living or driving in the area, is the foremost priority for SA Police.
"We'll be keeping a watchful eye on crowd behaviour, to ensure the safety of ticket-holders," says Chief Inspector Nairn.
"Any person found in possession of illicit substances at Groovin the Moo will be refused entry, or evicted should they be found inside.
"Our focus is on minimising potential harm by detecting and preventing drug offences.
"There's no way to know for sure what's in a pill, or what adverse reactions an illicit substance might cause from one person to the next.
"Police will also be watching fence lines, to ensure that only people who've paid for the privilege of attending are inside the festival grounds."
Dog Operations Unit will be conducting a sweep of the grounds before Groovin the Moo opens at 11am on Friday morning.
Police will also deploy drug detection dogs at the event gates to identify and apprehend any person attempting to smuggle in illegal substances.
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 platforms, including the Adelaide Showground Train Station, Goodwood Train Station and Tram Stop to uphold the safety of patrons using public transport.
Groovin the Moo is a licensed, all-ages event. Upon entry, patrons must present identification to obtain age-appropriate wrist bands. Police will be watching out for minors consuming alcohol.
"The safety of each and every person attending Groovin the Moo is, at the end of the day, in their own hands.
We'd urge those attending to make sensible choices. Don't ruin someone else's day, or your own, by behaving in an antisocial manner", Chief Inspector Nairn said.
"If you're thinking of drinking, keep a count of how many drinks you've had and don't go overboard. Excessive drinking can place you at greater risk of becoming the victim of serious assault.
"Please seek help from police, ambulance or other event officials at the first sign of difficulty. Do not hesitate."
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 please be alert to extra pedestrian traffic in the area.
