Falls punters warned to be prepared for hot and cold weather

Thousands of music fans are about to flock to Marion Bay and they are being warned to come prepared to cope with both hot and cold weather extremes.

Thousands of music fans are set to make camp at Marion Bay for the three-day Falls Festival. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

THE more than 11,000 revellers set to flock to Falls Festival at Marion Bay for three days of music and good times are being urged to be prepared for fierce summer sun and high temperatures.

The three-day music festival kicks off on Sunday with temperatures set to reach 32C, followed by 31C on Monday and 22C on Tuesday.

Managing director of festivals for the company behind Falls Festival, Elise Huntley, said punters need to pack for the weather conditions.

“It is about keeping hydrated, sun screen, hat, but then it does get really cold at night,” she said.

Tasmania Fire Service crews and other emergency services will be on site throughout the festival, and emergency management and evacuation plans are in place in the event of a bushfire.

“Currently with [Tasmania Fire Service] there’s no immediate bushfire threat to the site,” Ms Huntley said.

“We have [emergency services] onsite and we’re constantly managing any situations that may arise. That’s a co-ordinated approach.”

Secret Sounds managing director of festivals Elise Huntley at the Falls Festival site. Picture: PATRICK GEE

There will be up to 30 buses on standby to assist in the event of a mass evacuation at any given time.

“If there’s ever any sort of mass evacuation … one of the emergency services would take control and we would be working under their direction.”

There is a total fire ban in place at the festival and gas bottles and gas cookers are banned.

“We do ask that people be super careful.”

About 20 police officers will be also be onsite as well as a team of sexual assault councillors and a medical centre run by St John Ambulance.

Ms Huntley said “unacceptable behaviour” would not be tolerated.

“Safety is just key for us,” she said.

“It’s all about having fun, but it’s also about staying safe and really considering consequences of your actions and being smart about it. Take care of each other and stay hydrated.”

Ms Huntley said the employment of sexual assault councillors was a response to past incidents at the festival.

Falls has adopted a “no single-use plastics” policy for its food and drink vendors this year and patrons were encouraged to bring re-usable water bottles.

Temporary shade structures and misting tents will be set up to help patrons escape the sun and cool off.

Grab your four-page Falls Festival liftout in Saturday’s paper.