Police Respond After Clash With Punters At Brunswick Music Festival

Victoria Police say they attended Sunday's Brunswick Music Festival "at the request of security and event organisers" following allegations of "heavy handed" behaviour by authorities. 

Local producer Mark Peckham was one of a few people who posted footage from the incident to Facebook which showed a man being arrested by police. 

"Our much-loved annual daytime reggae session at Brunswick Music Festival just got shut down by nearly a dozen Victorian police officers at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon, because of a few people drinking beers," Peckham wrote.

"The police officers pulled out pepper spray, grabbed people by the throat, pushed people over and arrested people.

"They escalated a chilled community event into a heavy-handed situation.

"Meanwhile there was a festival stall selling cans of beer within 50m from stage where it was illegal to be drinking beer.

"Really disappointing to see the heavy-handed approach of the police to a peaceful council-approved festival event, with families, kids and people dancing and having a good time."

In a statement given to The Music, Victoria Police said their presence was requested "following reports of people consuming alcohol at the alcohol free-event".

"The entertainment was stopped while police spoke to a number of people and confiscated alcohol before the event was allowed to proceed.

"Police were requested to return a second time due to alcohol consumption and a decision was made in consultation with organisers to stop the event about 4.30pm.

"Some members of the crowd objected to the event being stopped and became aggressive towards police."

Police have confirmed a 36-year-old Preston man was arrested after he allegedly spat at police and a member of the public and was charged with assault police, fail to state name and address, offensive behaviour and resist arrest.

He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 June, 2020.

The Music has contacted Brunswick Music Festival for comment.