By Scarlett Reynolds, 8 April 2011
Drugs and alcohol played their part during the 2011 Future Music Festival at the Arena Joondalup, which featured well-known local performers including Kesha, Pendulum and Dizzie Rascal.
“Police held a position post outside the venue, and issued over 100 ‘move on’ notices,” said Arena facility co-ordinator Sean Raines.
“There were a few arrests, mainly for alcohol abuse and domestic issues,” he said.
Police arrested 15 people for drug offences.
The external security was organised by Mellen Events with over 300 security guards for the 41,000 who attended the festival.
“Due to the number of patrons attending, a state meeting was held with police forces to let them know the extent of the situation,” said Mr Raines.
“I felt safe attending, if there was any trouble you could just walk away,” said local music goer Sarah Dyer.
“People were checked by police as they entered, but I didn’t see anyone being arrested inside the arena,” said Miss Dyer.
Patrons were issued with a wristband to let security forces know who was attending.
“If anyone was acting or looked suspicious and had no wristband they were escorted out of the venue,” said Mr Raines.
“From what I could see there were people on drugs but they didn’t cause much trouble,” said Miss Dyer.
“I think people go for drugs and music, but I would go again just for the music”.
During the event one of the main problems appeared to be the issue of underage people trying to make their way into the venue.
“It was mainly underage people that were trying to get in by climbing over the gates,” said Mr Raines.
“However there were security guards placed around the fencing to prevent people from coming in”.
“Hopefully we will be able to hold this event again next year,” said Mr Raines.
Joondalup Arena will be hosting a similar event ‘Supafest’ in April.
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