Police instructed event management to prevent punters from entering the Lake Wendouree site mid-afternoon after discovering the festival had failed to provide the necessary number of security guards.

Danielle Murdoch attempted to enter the festival just after 3.30pm when she was stopped by security.  She said at least 100 people were left waiting at the festival gates for more than an hour before receiving an explanation. 

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“When we got there we were told they were not letting any more people in but we weren’t given any details,” Ms Murdoch said.  “There was at least 100 people crowding out the front but people got sick of waiting and disappeared.

“There were people from Melbourne who had travelled for the day.”

Fellow attendee Skye Christyanto told The Courier she was locked out of the event at about 2.45pm.  “It is very disappointing knowing that approximately $16,600 of Ballarat (ratepayer) money was wasted on an event that was so poorly organised,” Ms Christyanto said.

“This year they were expecting approximately 5000 punters after much hype and advertising and even changing location to attract more people...you would assume the organisers would do all possible to ensure something like this wouldn't happen.”

A council funding application from August 2017 said the festival was expecting 4500 patrons, however figures provided to The Courier on the day suggested about 3500 revelers had passed through the gates. 

Festival director Ric Dexter said as of Thursday ticket sales were at about 3000, however the crowd size on the day was significantly larger.

He said all ticket holders who were unable to get in would be given a refund and provided with a free ticket to the 2019 event. 

“We’re embarrassed and really sorry they missed out on a great day and they will be fully refunded,” Mr Dexter said.  “We didn’t have enough security guards for the numbers so police wouldn’t let us let any more people in.”