Message from the organisers: If you're planning on heading to the next R&V, don't go overkill on the alcohol.
Photo: Rhythm and Vines/Facebook
Rhythm and Vines music festival organisers have made major changes to its alcohol policy and have put an end to a beachside festival, following last year's riot.
Sixty-three people were arrested and 83 were injured in the riot which was sparked by two groups from neighbouring campgrounds at the BW Summer Festival, which runs alongside but separate to Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne.
The riot at Midway Beach involved cans of alcohol being thrown, cars overturned and tents set alight.
Rhythm and Vines' co-founder Hamish Pinkham said they are taking over those campgrounds, which will no longer host entertainment or be BYO.
"We're taking a bit of a stand in the campgrounds to ensure that the entertainment can all take place in a more measured environment which you know we've had great success at, at Rhythm and Vines itself."
On-site campgrounds will continue to allow limited BYO, with a maximum of 25 cans of beer or two 3 litre casks of wine per person over the three days leading up to the festival. Anything in excess of this would be confiscated, the festival’s website said.
Alcohol limits will also be enforced at the Rhythm and Vines concert itself.
Pinkham said he hoped the changes will attract a more mature demographic.
Joel Duffy, 21, has been to RNV for the last three years, staying in BW’s notorious Watson campground.
The Christchurch student said given the riots and antics last year, something had to give. “Everybody knew. This is it for Baywatch.”
Despite noticing increased security last year, including sniffing dogs to prevent drugs entering the campgrounds, “something needed to change”.
With fewer spaces available and the amount of alcohol reduced, the changes may put younger festival goers off, he said.
“It’ll probably turn a lot of the straight out of school away.”
However, the changes aren’t enough to push him away. While unsure of his plans, Duffy said if he goes he is likely to stay in the virtually unchanged under-20s on-site campground.
The line-up for the next festival will be announced in late July. Tickets go on sale on May 27.