Exploring the mobilisation of community-led interventions for reducing harm at music festivals

Music festivals are associated with high-risk alcohol and drug use. Harm reduction interventions, including peer-led initiatives, aim to address these risks. Despite successful models in other regions, harm reduction at festivals in the Northern Territory (NT) remains largely under explored. A pilot program at a large single day NT music festival in 2021 led to a comprehensive harm reduction program in 2022. This study sought to investigate engagement with harm reduction services at the festival. Using a mixed-methods approach, we collected data through reviewing service delivery records from the harm reduction service and conducting qualitative interviews with non-patron interest-holders. Service delivery data included patron interactions as well as education ( N = 97) and care interventions recorded by volunteers. Interest-holder interviews ( N = 14) explored benefits, challenges, and suggestions for improving service delivery. The analyses employed descriptive and thematic content analysis, integrating multiple data sources to capture attendee experiences and interest-holder perspectives. The program recorded 10,824 patron interactions and 51 care space visits, mainly for alcohol-related issues. Interest-holders highlighted the creation of a safe, non-judgmental space encouraging early intervention and collaboration with medical teams, reducing pressure on emergency services. Roving teams were a key service referral pathway and facilitated early intervention and deescalation to costly medical services. Challenges included sustainable funding of the service, limited visibility of the care space and police presence. These data highlight the strengths of peer-led harm reduction initiatives in reducing alcohol and other drug-related harms at music festivals, including rovers as an effective referral pathway; early intervention component; and enhancement to service visibility. Improved collaboration with event organisers and medical teams enhances program impact and should be considered in further implementation and partnership of community-led care models.