Great day out, police unamused

About 4000 punters descended on the Port Hedland Turf Club on Saturday as the inaugural North West Festival went off with a bang.

Hedland locals The Bad Influence kicked off the day’s proceedings with their country-infused brand of rock before San Cisco, minus a synthesiser lost en-route, treated the early festivalgoers to a boppy, sun-drenched set.

Dead Letter Circus brought out the Pilbara’s heavier music fans with their tight performance, while Regurgitator’s quirky songs had some of the older punters down the front and dancing.

The sun had set and the crowd reached its peak by the time The Cat Empire hit the stage and the boys did not disappoint, keeping the crowd dancing before handing the reins to The Living End for their smouldering set.

Crowd favourites Hilltop Hoods closed the night on a high note, with classics like The Nosebleed Section and new number I Love It getting the crowd pumping.

A spokeswoman for organisers Sunset Events said the company was very pleased with how the day went, and was looking forward to next year’s festival.

Police were less impressed, with 14 drink-driving charges and 89 traffic infringements handed out on the night and the next morning.

According to police, numerous liquor infringements were also given out, while about 100 people were evicted from the event for drunk and disorderly behaviour.

Port Hedland police Sergeant Jason Gentili said while the majority of the crowd was well-behaved, a large number of people acted irresponsibly on the day.

“People need to be more responsible with their drinking and need to keep an eye out on their friends, particularly at large events like that,” he said.