The recently concluded Marmalade Skies festival, which was the subject of a much-publicised crowdfunding campaign late last year, did not quite live up to organiser’s expectations, as the Goulburn Post reports.

A total of 13 people were detected with drugs as they attempted to enter the event over the weekend. Police maintained a strong presence at the event, which was held on a Wollogorang Rd property south of Goulburn from Friday to Sunday.

Detective Inspector Chad Gillies told the Post that two officers were stationed inside the festival while more officers were outside testing patrons for drugs as they arrived on Friday night and left on Sunday.

Armed with a sniffer dog operation, police checked 217 cars upon their arrival, 21 of which were searched, which resulted in 13 drug detections. Friday saw five people charged with drug possession while a further six were issued cannabis cautions.

Two males were allegedly found with methamphetamine, while out on the highway, officers arrested a man allegedly possessing 67 grams of methamphetamine. Sergeant Rod Cranston confirmed one midrange PCA and seven positive roadside drug samples as part of testing on nearby roads.

While organisers were expecting a turnout of between 1,000 and 1,500 punters, only 250 attended to watch a lineup that included Kilter, KLP, Lepers And Crooks, Lime Cordiale, Mickey Kojak, and many more

The festival was initially postponed last year as organisers had not lodged a development application in time. When they did, Council raised concerns over fire risk and the event was delayed until last weekend following a successful Pozible campaign.

The festival reached its target of $15,000 in just 11 days, and eventually went on to exceed that target by over $5,000, which went to providing the all-Australian lineup, a shearing shed barn dance, art installations, craft beer and cider stalls, and more.

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