Police and organisers of Friday night’s More FM Carnivale and Sonic Live Zone in Trafalgar St are sending a strong message to young people to respect the alcohol ban.
Nelson Arts Festival director Sophie Kelly says her team is working closely with Nelson Police and other services like St John, Hype and private security to ensure people can enjoy themselves in a fun, friendly and safe environment.
“Services supporting the event won’t be shy in turning people away if they’re caught drinking or behaving badly,” says Sophie. “We ask that people respect the fact that this event is for the whole community to enjoy. If there are any problems, it could jeopardise any future events.
“This is Nelson’s biggest community event that for one day each year allows people of all ages to come together to celebrate on the streets of Nelson. It’s critical we keep everyone safe.”
Nelson Bays area commander inspector Steve Greally says police would have a significant presence at the event, with zero tolerance to liquor ban breaches.
He says Youth Aid, community constables and traffic police had been brought in to assist and the crime control cameras would be monitored.
“We’ll also be working closely with Maori wardens and community patrols. This is a family event and we want people to be safe and have a good time. If anyone is behaving in a disruptive way they will be swiftly dealt with.”
Inspector Greally encouraged parents to ensure they knew where their kids were.
The More FM Carnivale starts at about 6.30pm with street-entertainment, food stalls and free live bands until 11pm.
From 5.30pm, the Masked Parade winds its way around the inner city from Montgomery Square along Bridge St, Trafalgar Street, Hardy St, Morrison St, Selwyn Pl and Church St.
Event organiser Michaela Blackman urges spectators watching from the sidelines to throw on a mask and get into the spirit of the event. “Our volunteer marshals will be interacting with the crowd and may even do a little Irish jig with selected individuals. Don’t be shy. Go for it,” she says.
After the parade, people can take on Giants players’ Sam Dempster and Bronson Beri at a basketball game in Trafalgar St, organised by Nelson’s newest recreation service The Truck.
If there is wet weather, the Masked Parade will be held the next day on Saturday 20 October at 5.30pm and the Carnivale will be cancelled.
The Masked Parade and More FM Carnivale are part of the Nelson Arts Festival, which is running until 28 October. For the full programme of events, visit www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz.
