“High risk” Up Down Festival extends invitation to NSW premier to attend, can bring 10 friends

Up Down Festival, one of those on the NSW government’s “high risk” list, has extended a public invitation to premier Gladys Berejiklian to attend the first of the high-risk events to stage since the new NSW Office of Liquor and Gaming rules click in tomorrow (March 1).

Up Down is held on Sunday, March 17 at Newcastle Foreshore.

“Gladys Berejiklian can have a guestlist of 10 and might like to bring her friend, Liberal National Party candidate for Newcastle, Blake Keating or minister for liquor and gaming Paul O’Toole for a relaxing afternoon mixer on the foreshore,” say festival organisers.

They are also celebrating being on the list by renaming their hugely popular ‘buy four get one free’ ticket offer to the ‘Gladys’ Party Pack’.

All Gladys’ Party Pack sales from now until game day will receive a limited edition Up Down save live music t-shirt (one per pack purchased).

The organisers’ other festival, Newcastle’s This That, is also on the high-risk list.

In a statement sent to TMN today, organisers said: “Just a few months ago, these same festival directors were praised by NSW police for the implementation of a gold standard crowd care strategy at This That.

“The experienced team have directed events and festivals across NSW without major incidence or death for over 12 years.

“We do not condone the use of drugs at any event we run.

“We want to invite the premier and her colleagues to Up Down to enjoy the experience of why we put these events on, for the music.

“With the last set finishing at 9pm, it should also suit her bedtime too.

“We’ve even included a ticket here she can print and bring with her for entry.”

TMN assumes that in the name of equality, Ms Berejiklian and her friends also be given the sniffer dog treatment.

Tickets are selling well for the limited capacity, tropical Sunday session featuring international artists The Bloody Beetroots (Italy), The Jillionaire (of Major Lazer), Adrian Lux (Sweden) and locals Set Mo and Motez.