Police warn Bunbury Groovin' fans

Fifteen thousand people will descend on Bunbury this weekend for the annual Groovin’ the Moo festival.

The festival gates will open on Saturday at 11am with thousands of people from all over the State coming to see international and local acts.

Some of the drawcards include Australia’s own Matt Corby, Digitalism, Parkway Drive, Muscles, Kaiser Chiefs and TheHilltop Hoods.

In the lead-up to the festival, which is one of the biggest events held in the city each year, police officers have urged music fans to stay safe and act responsibly.

‘‘You’ve paid all this good, hard-earned money to go to a show and the last thing you want is to not be invited in,’’ Bunbury police Sgt Laurie Stubbs said.

‘‘Don’t do anything silly that’s going to get you kicked out or worse, locked up.’’

Last year there were about 80 police officers who worked at the festival and in the surrounding district, along with the dog squad and horses.

The officers were spread around the festival venue of Hay Park as well as on major roads across the South West to monitor the traffic flowing in and out of the city.

Accommodation is almost completely booked out in Bunbury for the weekend, with just a couple of rooms available due to cancellation.

There is a tent land at Kelly Park that will be kept under close surveillance by security guards and police officers.

City of Bunbury building and trades maintenance officer Krystal Savage said the city was well prepared for the event.

‘‘The Bunbury CBD will be open and trading as usual for all those who want to explore the town,’’ she said.

‘‘Plenty of free parking will be available at Dog Park, Lions Park and Bunbury Turf Club as it has been in the past two years.’’

Sgt Stubbs said officers were well equipped to handle the festival which runs from 11am to 11pm.

Police officers will be monitoring the roads with booze buses, speed cameras and general traffic patrol.