Safety reminder for Carnivale

Safety reminder for Carnivale

13 October 2014

Police and organisers of Friday night’s More FM Carnivale at the top of Trafalgar Street want young people to enjoy themselves but remember to respect the alcohol ban.

The Carnivale is part of Nelson City Council’s Nelson Arts Festival.

Sergeant Mike Wardle of Nelson Bays Police says extra Police will be on duty for the popular event.

“Our observations from the last couple of years suggest that some young teens and even intermediate-aged school children are pre-loading before the event, and arriving intoxicated. Our message to parents is to take responsibility for their children, know where they are and who they are with.”

He says there will be zero tolerance for liquor ban breaches and disorderly behaviour.

"We want to ensure that people get to and from this event safely and enjoy themselves while they're there.

“Road Police will be running checkpoints and any driver stopped can expect to be breath tested. We don't want to find anyone on the road who shouldn't be driving.”

Nelson Arts Festival Director Sophie Kelly says her team is working closely with Nelson Police and other services like St Johns, HYPE and private security to ensure people can enjoy themselves in a fun, friendly and safe environment.

“Services supporting the event won’t be shy in turning people away if they’re caught drinking or behaving badly,” says Ms Kelly. “We ask that people respect the fact that this event is for the whole community to enjoy.”

The Carnivale starts at 6.30pm and will include street entertainment, food stalls and free live bands until 10.30pm. It follows the iconic Masked Parade, which gets underway at 5.30pm, one of Nelson’s biggest community events of the year.

The Masked Parade will wind its way around the inner city from Montgomery Square onto Bridge St, Trafalgar St, Hardy St, Morrison St, Selwyn Pl, Church Ln, across Hardy St to Montgomery Square. Over 3,000 entrants are expected to take part.

Ms Kelly says spectators of the Parade are also encouraged to wear masks and get involved in the spirit of the celebration. Other key things to remember for an enjoyable Parade:
• Leave plenty of time to drop off people and costumes
• Avoid parking in town if you can
• Drive with patience and care as some roads remain open but will be congested with pedestrians.

Rain Plans

If there is heavy rain, the Masked Parade will be held the next day on Saturday, 18 October at 5.30pm and the Carnivale will be cancelled. Listen to More FM for updates or cancellation information.

Grab a full Nelson Arts Festival programme from Nelson City Council, libraries, retailers, cafes and key visitor outlets, or visit www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz to book tickets.

ENDS

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