Traffic nightmare at Beyond the Valley leaves attendees waiting in scorching temperatures
Festival-goers at Beyond the Valley were left waiting for hours to leave the festival in scorching temperatures.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Festival-goers at one of Victoria’s most popular New Year music events were left sweltering in 30C heat for “hours” as queues to leave descended into gridlock.
Thousands had flocked to Barunah Plains for the Beyond the Valley festival’s return, however after four days of music and revelry, exits were swamped on the way out.
In a statement on social media, organisers apologised for the delays.
“We are experiencing traffic delays getting out of the festival today due to the inflix of cars exiting the festival as well as general holiday traffic on the roads,” the statement read.
“We sincerely apologise for the delays and inconvenience caused.”
Organisers were providing water to those stuck in traffic, and assured festival-goers that shade and food were also available.
“We understand this process is not pleasant in the heat,” the statement said.
“Our priority is to get everyone home safely.”
A spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria confirmed ambulance crews were on site to help if required.
“St John Ambulance officers are attending to the people in cars exiting the event,” the spokesperson said.
The long wait times prompted attendees to vent their frustrations on social media.
“Exiting the venue is an absolute disgrace, stuck in traffic for four hours getting nowhere, what is going on?” Michael Blackmore commented.
“Are you allowed to leave Beyond the Valley?” Bailey Glide joked.
“I’m still going to be here for 2023 BTV the rate this traffic is moving,” Libby Hutchinson commented.
Beyond the Valley began in 2014 with previous editions taking place in Lardner and Warragul in Gippsland and Phillip Island.
Organisers Untitled Group celebrated the event as a “new era” of the festival after a three-year absence.
Global stars like Denzel Curry, Nelly Furtado, Bicep and Charlotte de Witte wowed crowds alongside homegrown acts such as Confidence Man, San Cisco and fan favourites Lime Cordiale.
More Coverage
Originally published as Traffic nightmare at Beyond the Valley leaves attendees waiting in scorching temperatures
Racehorse strapper learns fate over sex act with animal
A man was caught on CCTV performing a sex act with a horse after breaking into a stable. A court has heard the horse’s owner can’t get the footage from her mind.
Social housing project stalls, future uncertain
The site of a large-scale social housing project in Geelong’s inner-south sits vacant and details have been pulled from the web, but its proponent says construction will commence soon.