Moonee Council working with police ahead of Illuminate the River festival

Music fans can expect a strong police presence at an upcoming festival, after neo-natzi protesters gatecrashed a past event.

Illuminate the River is set to feature Baker Boy, Montaigne and other Australian music acts. Picture: Tony Gough

Music fans can expect a beefed-up security presence at a huge festival in Melbourne’s inner north next month, after neo-natzi protesters gatecrashed a past event.

Moonee Valley Council is in talks with Victoria Police and their security partners as it prepares for its biggest festival of the year.

The council will host Illuminate The River in the Boulevard in Aberfeldie this November, which will showcase Australian music talents including Baker Boy, Montaigne, Something for Kate and Art v science.

Illuminate the River will be one of the first festivals the council has held since Youth Fest which was targeted by neo-Nazi protesters.

A group of 12 protesters performed the Hitler salute and held two banners which said: “Demon Flesh” and “Drag Pedos Groom Kids”.

Residents had previously raised concerns about the protesters targeting the event.

neo-Nazi protesters targeted Youth Fest which was held at Queens Park in Moonee Ponds.

Police maintained a barrier between them and a some counter-protesters who stood against the group, believed to be from the National Socialist Network. No arrests were made and the council said the event went ahead “without disruption”.

After the events at Youth Fest, which was designed to celebrate youth month and be inclusive, the council confirmed it was working with police.

“Our events team will continue to work together with Victoria Police and our security partners to ensure the delivery of this event will be presented in a safe way while enabling our community to connect and celebrate such an incredible all ages, family-friendly event,” they said in a statement.

“Illuminate the River is the largest event of the Moonee Valley Festival program and we’re focused on creating an unforgettable experience for our community. In line with council’s major event planning process, the safety and wellbeing of our community is a priority when planning and managing events.”

The council, Cr Rose Iser and one of the drag performers previously condemned the neo-Nazi protesters’ actions.