Summernats 36: Wild Brawl Erupts As Security Guards Allegedly Punch On With Punters

A wild video has made the rounds on social media showing the moment security guards allegedly brawled with punters at this year’s Summernats 36 in Canberra.

Canberra police are now investigating the incident at the cars-meets-music event after Summernats security guard allegedly punched on with a festivalgoer, leading to an all-in brawl. It’s not yet known how the incident kicked off before it was captured on video.

The footage seemingly shows a cascade of canned beverages raining down on men adorned in pink vests labelled "crowd safety." In response, about five safety officials approached a group of defiant fist-throwing fans, launching a battle that unfolded like a choreographed dance of chaos.

One crowd safety worker, channelling their inner action movie star, was reportedly caught on camera bellowing, "Fuck you; I'll kill you aye," bringing an unexpected dose of drama to the Summernats script.

The ensuing two-minute brawl featured around a dozen crowd safety staff and attendees, transforming the festival grounds into a grassy battleground, with the scuffle eventually migrating towards a building.

Amid the pandemonium, a man in a white shirt and black shorts found himself on the ground, holding his head in despair, only to be surrounded by four crowd safety staff, one of whom appeared to deliver a swift kick. The audience, torn between cheering on the spectacle with "Summernats, fuck yeah!" and expressing dismay with "there's kids here, you fucking gronks," added an extra element of entertainment to the bizarre showdown.

Following the brouhaha, as per WA Today, ACT Policing spokesperson said police were aware of an incident that took place on Saturday (Jan. 6) inside the Exhibition Park in Canberra.

“Investigations into the incident are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this time,” the spokesperson said.

Outside of this incident, police also made two arrests on Saturday relating to anti-social behaviour.

“ACT Policing also responded to a handful of hoon driving incidents last night after the event had concluded,” the spokesperson said.

“Numerous defect notices were issued and three vehicles were seized as a result of hoon driving behaviour. ACT Policing reminds drivers that hoon driving that endangers other road users will continue to be targeted.”

In a statement, event organisers said Summernats and their security contractor, Red Dawn, are investigating an incident involving security staff and patrons on Saturday afternoon.

“Summernats and Red Dawn take their responsibilities for the safety and security of everyone at the event very seriously,” the statement read.

“This investigation will be given the highest priority and outcomes will be shared as they come to hand. Co-owner Andy Lopez will now wait on the results of the investigation before making any further comment.”

Along with all this automotive, this year’s event saw performances from Grinspoon - who filled in for Jimmy Barnes as he recovers from heart surgery - as well as Dragon, Daryl Braithwaite, The Screaming Jets, Hot Dub Time Machine, and VoxNeon.

Summernats celebrated its 30th birthday in January 2017, with the bash featuring the likes of hip-hop identity Drapht, contemporary outfit Spit Syndicate, Aussie rock veterans Thirsty Merc and hard rock/heavy metal group Airbourne.

The music contingent only makes up just one part of the broader Summernats program, which brings about 2000 of Australia's most outstanding cars to Canberra's Exhibition Park throughout the event, along with more than 100,000 fans of all things automotive.

Earlier this year, Andy Lopez said that the event would feature “30 incredible new and unseen modified cars that will be unveiled, the mayhem of Skid Row, the colour and excitement of the City Cruise, the Braddon Fringe Festival, plus Mulletfest. It’s going to be mad.”