Many ticket-buyers were left angry at We Love Sounds in Sydney on Saturday, after the Hordern Pavilion was declared at capacity and closed in the afternoon. Police and security informed punters that the venue would not re-open again for the remainder of the festival.

However, following Steve Aoki’s set, the Hordern did clear out and the doors were finally opened in time for Underworld’s closing performance. Despite that, the complications and clear message from police meant many missed Crookers and Steve Aoki, or went home early believing they would not be able to see Underworld. We Love Sounds has issued a statement to disgruntled festivalgoers, suggesting the police misjudged the situation.

“We Love Sounds sincerely apologise to all attendees who were unable to see Crookers or Steve Aoki. The Hordern Pavilion reached capacity by 5.30pm at which time patrons were asked to visit other arenas until the crowd dissipated. This is standard event procedure to ensure both the safety and dancing comfort for all and is highlighted by our ticketing agents at the point of purchase. It is also reiterated in the set booklets distributed on the day. In seven years of running the festival, We Love Sounds have closed off venues in four of these years. Experience has shown us that patrons regularly circulate the different arenas at the event and that venues are only sealed temporarily. To be clear, the event attendance was more than 3000 under licensed capacity.

In this instance, attending NSW user pay Police, in the interests of public safety, stepped in to control the situation and lock down the venue. From this point onwards, the crowd management was solely in the control of the Police. The venue and security team negotiated with police to allow patrons back into the venue over time. These meetings occurred every half hour from 6pm however the police, believing they were acting in the interests of public safety, did not permit re-entry into the venue.

To our dismay, NSW Police told patrons outside that the venue would be closed off for the remainder of the event, against all advise from the venue and ourselves. They were not in a position to disseminate this incorrect information. By 8pm, after the conclusion of Steve Aoki’s set, the Hordern Pavilion began to empty as anticipated, however the police would not allow a general re-entry into the arena. The venue, security, promoter and indeed Underworld band management lobbied the Police to open up venue access, a process that took well over an hour. Underworld, aware of the goings on, insisted they would not go on stage until all fans were permitted entry.

Unfortunately, many people missed the Underworld show, believing they would not be able to enter the Hordern Pavilion when in fact the venue was not even full during their show and further, the performance commenced 45 minutes late to ensure everyone had opportunity to experience their entire Underworld spectacle.

As the promoter of the event, We Love Sounds believe that NSW Police, albeit with best intention, misjudged the situation, to the direct detriment of our paying customers. Again we whole-heartedly apologise to all effected, although the situation was out of our control. Rest assured we will be liasing with NSW Police to ensure this will not occur in the future.”