As we approach festival season in New Zealand and Australia, we're gearing up for unforgettable experiences filled with music, connection, and celebration. But alongside all the festi promo, a conversation about safety and harm reduction is taking shape.
In recent years, there has been a growing push for harm reduction measures at festivals, particularly around drug use. Victoria, Australia, has launched its first-ever pill testing trial, allowing festival goers to anonymously test substances for dangerous contaminants. Pill testing will start in Victoria at the Beyond the Valley Festival at Barunah Plains from 28 December to 1 January 2025, marking a significant step forward in public health policy. The trial aims to reduce preventable overdoses and educate attendees on the risks associated with drug use. Not all substances are what they seem. Pill testing helps people see what's really in their drugs, so they can make more informed and better choices.
New South Wales has also joined the movement, announcing its first pill testing trial at festivals. Experts and advocates, including health professionals and festival organisers, have applauded this shift, calling for drug decriminalisation and further investment in harm reduction strategies.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the landscape is more complex. Despite a legal framework permitting drug testing, several festivals have opted out due to logistical and financial hurdles. Popular, larger festivals have yet to confirm whether on-site drug testing will be available this summer. However, organisations like KnowYourStuffNZ continue to play a crucial role in promoting safety and awareness. KnowYourStuffNZ general manager Casey Spearing, said the service was still in high demand and would be at AUM, Northern Bass, and Twisted Frequency this New Year.
Harm reduction isn’t just about drug safety. It encompasses all aspects of festival health and well-being, including hearing protection. Festivals are renowned for their booming sound systems and high-energy performances, but prolonged exposure to loud music can lead to permanent hearing damage. That’s where Sets earplugs come in.
Designed for music lovers, Sets earplugs protect your ears without compromising on sound quality. Whether you’re dancing at Rhythm and Vines, Hidden Lakes, or Beyond the Valley, Sets earplugs will be available to ensure you can have a safer, more enjoyable experience and reduce harm to your hearing.
Pill testing will start in Victoria at the Beyond the Valley Festival at Barunah Plains from 28 December to 1 January 2025
At its core, harm reduction is about maximising enjoyment while minimising risks. Drug testing services provide peace of mind and essential information for making safer choices. Similarly, wearing earplugs like Sets allows you to fully immerse yourself in the music without sacrificing your hearing.
This festival season, let’s prioritise safety alongside fun. If you’re heading to events in New Zealand or Australia, look out for harm reduction services and look out for our Sets earplugs stalls so you can add Sets to your festival essentials.
We are proud to work with like-minded festivals and events interested in harm reduction for their attendees.
Find Sets earplugs at Rhythm and Vines, Hidden Lakes, Twisted Frequency, Beyond the Valley, and Pitch Music and Arts Festival this summer.
Sources:
Police and medical services at a UK festival attributed a 95% decrease in drug-related hospital admissions to pill testing services.
