Up to 1000 people gatecrashed yesterday’s Groovin the Moo music festival at the University of Canberra, say police. 

Operation Commander for the event Sergeant Mark Steel says the gatecrashers forced their way into the festival by scaling the perimeter security fencing.

“Aside from the fact that they were trespassing on a private event, they avoided the security screening process and may have been bringing in any amount of contraband material,” Sergeant Steel says.

“Trespassers also add to crowd numbers, which can have safety implications as the venue reaches its capacity.”

One man was taken into protective custody for intoxication and three juveniles were arrested for underage drinking at the festival. A small quantity of drugs suspected to be lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and MDMA (ecstasy) were seized.

Police say it’s an improvement on last year’s festival, where three people were taken into protective custody and 8 juveniles apprehended for underage drinking.

“Given the size of the crowd, the majority of people appeared to enjoy the festival in a safe and responsible way,” says Sergeant Steel.