A Note from Splendour  July 16, 2009

A note from the organizers of Splendour In The Grass: Refrain from carrying drugs because sniffer dogs will be used, don't jump the fences because harsh fines will apply and remember your ID because you will be turned away without it. Consider yourself warned people, besides The Happy Mondays and Flaming Lips are in town so the entire drug supply of Australia will be sapped. The only other advice we can give you is watch out for hippies selling "mood herbs", bring a pair of gumboots just in case and steer clear of the Tipi Forest aka the place that inhibitions forgot. See y'all in a week!

With the 2009 SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS festival just over one week away, organisers of the sold out event would like to provide ticket-holders with some final vital event and general safety information.

As has been widely publicised, tickets to SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS, on Saturday 25th July and Sunday 26th July at Belongil Fields, have completely SOLD OUT. This means there will not be event or camping tickets available for sale at the gate any time over the weekend. So to avoid disappointment, we ask that only valid ticket holders make their way to Belongil Fields, Byron Bay. And with our personalised ticketing system we also wish to remind patrons that photographic ID that corresponds with the name printed on each individual's ticket must be presented at the gates for entry. Please go to www.splendourinthegrass.com for a complete list of acceptable identification.

SPLENDOUR organisers continue to work closely with the authorities and would like to advise ticket holders that once again DRUG DETECTION DOGS will be present around the Byron area and at Splendour in the Grass across the weekend. Police random breath testing units will also be active on local roads.

We would also like to advise the community at large that there will be an INCREASED SECURITY AND POLICE PRESENCE for the 2009 SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS event and anyone caught trying to fence jump or attempting to enter the venue unlawfully WILL be turned over to the authorities. Those caught will be immediately removed from the site and will be prosecuted. They will also be hit with a VERY HEFTY FINE, being a minimum penalty of $350.

Patron safety at SPLENDOUR continues to be paramount for organisers. To that end, the festival organisers have again engaged professional first aid services as well as a couple of Chillout Tents and the Doof Mamas. In addition, a breathalyser service will again be on site to allow drivers who are unsure if they are over the limit to get an indication of their blood alcohol content.

As always there will be special shuttle bus services operating to and from the Transit Centre in town and the event. Anyone intending to travel from town to SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS by shuttle bus will need to present his or her event ticket or wristband before boarding the service. The town shuttle will cost $3 per person per trip. Patrons are requested to use the shuttle bus service, as it is the safest and fastest way to travel to and from the event and town. The shuttles will operate on Friday from 10am to 1am, Saturday from 8am to 2am and Sunday from 8am to 11.30pm.

Those intending to park in the Melaleuca Drive day carpark next door to Belongil Fields will also be checked for event tickets before they can park their vehicle. Parking costs $10 per vehicle per day with proceeds after costs going to Byron Bay High School and St Finbarrs Primary School. The carpark is open on Saturday from 9am to 3am and Sunday from 9am to 12.30am. Patrons should note that the carpark, like the campground, is a no alcohol area.

Do not park in the nearby Sunrise residential area or the industrial estate. There will be Special Event Parking Restrictions in place in Sunrise and Byron Shire Council Rangers will be on duty throughout the weekend. Fines for illegal parking are $197.

Likewise, rangers will be on the lookout for illegal camping or people sleeping in cars. Fines range from $110 per person or $220 per person if on Crown land.

SPLENDOUR organisers also ask that anyone attending the festival, whether a visitor or local resident, observe the following:

• Be considerate of the local community and environment.
• Use your accommodation as a place to rest up - do your partying at the festival.
• When walking in residential areas, please keep the noise down.
• Do not litter - use trash cans or carry it on you until you find a bin.
• There are no 'open air toilets' in Byron Bay or at Splendour! While there are plenty of portaloos at the festival, there are very few public toilets around town. Please plan ahead so you don't get caught out.

Organisers / Splendour In The Grass