Safety the number one priority at weekend's music festivals in Newcastle

Police are urging event goers to enjoy themselves at this weekend’s music festivals in Newcastle but warned they won’t tolerate behaviour that risks the safety of others, NSW Police say.

The "This That" Music Festival will be held at Wickham Park, Newcastle from 1.30pm on Saturday 3 November 2018 and the "Scene and Heard" festival will be held the following day (Sunday 4 November 2018) from 12:30pm at the same location.

Organisers are expecting up to 20,000 people to attend the festivals over the weekend.

A large police operation will be conducted involving officers from Newcastle City Police District, with the assistance from drug-detection dogs.

"Thousands of people will make the journey to be involved in the two festivals and while the vast majority of people are well-behaved, police will act swiftly if you choose to do the wrong thing," Superintendent Brett Greentree said.

"We want people to enjoy the two festivals in Newcastle this weekend, but not at the expense of other people’s safety, so make sure you behave responsibly and think before you drink."

"Police will not tolerate any form of anti-social or criminal behaviour and will be targeting any illegal activity as well as alcohol-related crime."

Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed to ensure music fans and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.

"Community safety is our number-one priority, and we urge festival-goers to take care of themselves and their belongings while visiting Newcastle for the festivals," Supt Greentree said.

"Poor choices can have serious consequences and we urge all people attending these festivals to remain safe, look after your friends, and don’t risk your health or your good reputation."

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