The music festival season took a dark turn this weekend as a 41-year-old man was flown to a Melbourne hospital with critical injuries following an alleged assault at the Music in the Vines festival. The one-day festival, which took place in Macarthur in the state’s south west, featured local and Australian acts such as the Pierce Brothers, Little Georgia, and Bones and Jones.
According to festival organisers, a fight broke out between several festival-goers as they were waiting for a bus after the festival had come to a close. The altercation resulted in the 41-year-old man being flown to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains receiving treatment.
48-year-old Portland resident has been charged with several offenses, including recklessly causing serious injury, recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault, and affray. Two other men from Portland, aged 45 and 48, were also arrested but have since been released.
In a statement, festival organisers expressed their deep sadness over the incident. “The Committee of Music in the Vines is deeply saddened by an incident that occurred after our festival came to a close last night,” the post read. The statement went on to praise the quick response of security and support staff, who attended to the situation as soon as it arose.
Festival President Pieter Badenhorst confirmed that the festival organisers have been in touch with the man’s family and are offering their full support during this difficult time. “We are receiving updates and have offered the man’s family our full support during this difficult time,” he said.
The alleged assault at Music in the Vines is a reminder of the importance of festival safety and security. Festival organisers must remain vigilant in ensuring that their events are safe and secure for all attendees. Our thoughts and well wishes are with the victim and his family during this challenging time.