The annual dance music event, which replaced Parklife from 2013, has previously been held at East Perth’s Ozone Reserve but this year, it makes the move north.
Festival co-director Liam Mazzucchelli said Arena Joondalup was chosen because of “the facility’s reputation for delivering world-class events of this nature”.
He said the existing infrastructure, “fantastic grass and oval” and convenient public transport made it a suitable venue for the over-18s event.
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“Listen Out Perth is looking forward to a great working relationship with all stakeholders to ensure a positive outcome for the event and the area,” he said.
Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard said hosting the festival was a coup for the City, giving northern suburbs residents the chance to see electronic and hip-hop artists in their backyard and attracting visitors to Joondalup from across the metropolitan area.
“The City of Joondalup has had a proud record of successfully hosting big events in the past including the Big Day Out, Soundwave and Future Music festivals and has been working closely with Listen Out organisers, the venue and police and to ensure those in attendance this weekend have an enjoyable and safe time and that there is minimal impact on nearby residents and businesses,” he said.
He emphasised that the City’s environmental health officers will also be in attendance to ensure stipulated noise levels are met.
A ‘noise hotline’ is available to local residents on the day on 9328 9513.
VenuesWest chief executive David Etherton said because of the size of the festival, Arena Joondalup would be closed all day.
“Access to some areas of the carpark will be restricted in the lead-up to the festival,” Mr Etherton said.
“There could also be minor traffic delays while the Listen Out event fencing and staging is installed and removed.
“We have asked patrons to allow extra travel and parking time and thank them for their patience.”
Road closures will be in place between Shenton Avenue and Moore Drive from 11am to 11pm.
Free public transport to and from the venue is provided for ticketholders.
Trains will leave Perth station every 15 minutes all day, with extra services from Joondalup after the event.
– The line-up includes Rufus, A$AP Ferg, Claptone, Baauer, Stormzy, Anderson .Paak, L D R U, Tash Sultana, Willow Beats and more.
Police at hand
THE police presence of past music festivals such as Future Music is not expected to be needed for the Listen Out gig.
It is being held on a much smaller scale than recent shows with police expecting about 18,000 people to attend what organisers dub “Australia’s intelligent dance music event”. In contrast, Future Music attracted crowds beyond 30,000.
Joondalup officer-in-charge Steve Dawson said partygoers could expect a police presence at the train station and around Lakeside Joondalup.
“It’s going to be no different to how we police any event,” he said.
“We just want people to go and enjoy the experience and come home safely.”
Police would assist in traffic flow during the day.