FIVE people were admitted to hospital with drug overdoses at the weekend following the Rainbow Serpent Festival.The annual four-day event held at Beaufort promotes international music, arts and lifestyle and attracts up to 12,000 people.Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said paramedics were kept busy on the first day of the event."By mid-morning on Sunday, five people had been taken to the Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital with overdoses," he said."It settled down a bit Sunday afternoon."He said he was unsure what drugs the affected festival-goers had been taking.Beaufort Police Sergeant John Wallish said despite the overdoses, police were happy with the behaviour of punters."The number of overdoses is probably on par with other years," he said."Considering the number of people here that's a relatively small number."Most people seem to manage themselves pretty well."He said there had been no trespassing issues or people caught trying to sneak into the festival, with most people "here for the long haul"."They're here for a four- to five-day period," he said."It's different to other one- or two-day festivals and they're here for the whole duration."The festival is renowned for its free-spirit atmosphere, with a strong sense of cultural diversity and acknowledgement of indigenous culture.It's not all about the music, although there are four stages with a variety of artists playing over the weekend.There are clothing and jewellery stalls, food stalls, an outdoor cinema, even a funniest t-shirt competition.Happy Herbs stall owner Mark said it was unfortunate to hear about the drug over-doses and said there were alternatives to people looking for a "natural high".The store sells items such guarana lolly-pops and other herbs for punters who want to have a rush the legal way."We're all about harm reduction," he said."We've been doing this 15 years and never had any problems."All our items are naturally derived, happy stimulants to keep people partying without any side-effects."Another strong element of the festival is its family environment, with many young children running around enjoying the fun.Belgrave resident Helen Weinmann brought along her six-month-old daughter Lulani and said they were having a great time."We came prepared with earmuffs," she said."It's great, there's a big communal atmosphere."The Rainbow Serpent Festival will finish at midday tomorrow.