Mitchell Street venues ready for a big weekend with thousands of BASSINTHEGRASS revellers expected to party on

Mitchell Street pubs have ordered extra booze and glasses and put on more staff in anticipation that many of the 14,000 BASSINTHEGRASS revellers will kick on after the festival in Darwin’s main party strip.

Festivalgoers enjoy the music at BASSINTHEGRASS 2018. Picture: Keri Megelus

MITCHELL Street pubs have ordered extra booze and glasses and put on more staff in anticipation that many of the 14,000 BASSINTHEGRASS revellers will kick on after the festival in Darwin’s main party strip.

Pubs and bars along Mitchell St have reported busy nights of trade in the lead-up to today’s festival, describing it as a “Friday night crowd” for the last few days.

“This whole week has been one of our busiest weeks, it’s basically been a Friday night the last couple of nights,” Wisdoms Bar and Cafe manager Charlie Souster said.

‘We’ve bought more alcohol and prepared more stuff for cocktails. Extra staff have also been rostered on.”

She said music events like BASSINTHEGRASS and the recent Carl Cox concert were big wins for the NT.

“We are enjoy these events and its good for business it’s just not the one day of the event it’s the days leading up and afterwards that help us,” she said.

Australian Venue Co regional marketing manager Carly Balding said the company’s venues Monsoons Darwin, Shenannigans and Smith St Social were also preparing for big crowds.

“We’re expecting Monsoons to be very busy,” she said.

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“We have ordered the last box of glasses in Darwin, we’re ready to go.”

“It’s an easy tourism campaign in the current state the country is in; having these events just shows the rest of Australia that Darwin can do anything,” she said.

NT Police will be out in force to ensure revellers stay safe.

NT Police Superintendent Daniel Shean said police would be attending the festival as well as throughout the CBD.

“In addition to the security staff contracted by NTMEC for the event, police will have a presence inside the venue, outside the grounds and around the CBD throughout the night,” Supt Shean said.

“This includes uniformed members, Dog Operations and the Mounted Unit, who will be targeting anti-social behaviour, alcohol and drug offences.

“Traditionally we have only minor issues at BITG, it’s a well-run event that just gets better every year, and we wish everyone going along a brilliant weekend.” He reminded festival goers to not try to smuggle in alcohol or drugs or attempt to jump the fence.