Police Praise Listen Out Crowd Despite 95 Charges

New South Wales police have praised the behaviour of punters at yesterday's inaugural Listen Out festival despite charging 95 people, 94 of them with drug-related offenses.

The first leg of the new festival, which replaced Parklife this year, took place at Sydney's Centennial Park, with Disclosure and Azealia Banks headlining.

With over 9,000 punters attending the event, police targeted drug and alcohol related crime as well as anti-social behaviour, with five sniffer dogs on site.

This morning Operation Commander, Detective Superintendent Gavin Dengate, said that despite the drug charges anti-social behaviour was minimal.

“The overwhelming majority of those attending were music lovers who wanted to have a fun and trouble-free afternoon. They behaved responsibly and helped ensure a great atmosphere for the event," he said.

“Unfortunately, there were still some people who wanted to bring illegal drugs into the event but our police operation ensured that a large number of them were detected, charged and refused entry."

He added, “Alcohol-related incidents and anti-social behaviour were certainly at a minimum and that's testament to not only the police operation, but the working relationship we have with the festival's promoters.”

Of the 95 people charged 92 were detected carrying drugs, two were charged with drug supply and one was charged with breaching bail.

Today the festival moves to Perth before visiting Melbourne Saturday 5 October and Brisbane Sunday 6 October.