Good Things festival loses under-18 status in Sydney

The December 8 Sydney show of the three-city Good Things festival is no longer available for under-18 audiences.

Promoter Destroy All Lines has explained that authorities threatened to shut down the whole show at Parramatta Park if it doesn’t comply.

In a statement, DAL said this morning: “Good Things festival believes that live music and festivals are for everyone but unfortunately the NSW state government does not share the same view.

“Even though it is not against the law, NSW police have imposed multiple impediments, including excessive police presence and exorbitant fees, making it impossible for us to allow anyone under 18 to attend the event.

“Sadly, we’re not the only festival to be hit with this as representatives of the NSW state government have threatened to shut down music festivals they believe don’t meet their standards.”

Organisers say they tried a number of options to reach an agreement, including bringing in the lawyers.

Good Things general manager Chris O’Brien says, “We have been working around the clock for months to try and ensure the event goes ahead as planned, but we have seen unprecedented opposition to the event from the police and the government.

“The experience for all customers was going to be impacted.

“We have had to make the very difficult decision to turn the event to over 18’s only to avoid under 18’s been forced to watch bands behind a 1.8m high chain wire fence.”

All ticket holders under the age of 18 will be contacted and refunds issued.

Among the acts playing are The Offspring (performing Smash in full), Stone Sour, All Time Low, Northlane, The Smith Street Band,  Dropkick Murphys, Bullet For My Valentine, The Used, BABYMETAL and Tonight Alive, among others.