The organisers of the Rainbow Serpent dance festival, which took place at Lexton in western Victoria, north-west of Ballarat, early last week, have released a statement praising the behaviour of the majority of punters who attended this year’s event, while issuing a warning to other revellers that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

While this year’s festival was largely incident-free, several unfortunate incidents did occur during the event, including a 35-year-old man who was charged for allegedly indecently assaulting a woman during the long-weekend dance event. At least three people were taken to the Ballarat Hospital following drug overdoses and two men were issued drug charges.

“While there were a small number of incidents, which obviously attracted the media’s focus, the vast majority of patrons behaved wonderfully,” said festival director Tim Harvey in the statement from organisers. “It is obvious through the many friendly interactions our patrons had with police that their presence is appreciated and welcomed.”

“We have an exceptional track record over the past 17 years of running a large festival free from violence and aggression,” Harvey insisted, though he added that organisers were “saddened and disturbed that violence would occur within our amazing festival. This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable.”

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“We believe it was an isolated incident which is completely contrary to the tolerance, respect and peace that goes into creating this festival,” said Harvey. The promoter also reiterated the festival’s commitment to curbing intoxicated driving, which he described in the statement as “dangerous and puts lives at risk”.

“Quite simply, the police and other emergency services this year were brilliant,” Harvey added. “When you have an event with the population of a small city that runs for five days there will always be a number of people who require assistance. The dedication and professionalism of our on-site medics and other emergency services is appreciated and applauded.”

Indeed, the mutually respectful relationship between the police and the more than 10,000 revellers who attended the four-day dance festival was particularly evident in a viral video of a police officer dancing with a group of punters. “It is obvious through the many friendly interactions our patrons had with police that their presence is appreciated and welcomed,” said Harvey.

According to Rip It Up, the organisers of Rainbow Serpent will be taking a break before they begin preparations for their 2016 instalment. The festival will be accepting performance applications from June, with tickets set to go on sale in July. Tone Deaf will have all the details as soon as they’re released, so make sure you stay tuned.

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