Ararat Senior Sergeant Damian Ferrari said the festival was well planned and managed with around 500 staff present during the entire event.

“This includes security staff, medical staff, police, event management, food vendors and event organisers just to mention a few,” he said.

“The crowd and patrons were very well behaved and there was a lot of positive interaction between the patrons and police.

“A male from Melbourne who illegally entered the festival was processed for drug related charges and another male from Melbourne was processed by police for theft related charges. 

“At the conclusion of the event police conducted a drug bus operation and additional traffic related operations with a number of drivers processed for traffic related matters.”

Senior Sergeant  Ferrari said police were pleased with the overall behaviour of the crowd and continue to work closely with event organisers, management and additional agencies around emergency management.

The festival also went well for Ararat region businesses who had products or services for festival goers and campers.

Takeaway food outlets also saw a lot of turnover as thousands of music fans made their way home on Monday.

Ararat Cabs owner and director Manzoor Amian said some weary customers decided to book a taxi all the way back to Melbourne.

“There was huge increase in our Taxi business. Some stages we were unable to cope with taxi demand in Ararat,” he said. 

“Our five - six taxis remain occupied between Ararat and Pitch festival most of times. Our drivers were tired. Still some of them are recovering from sleep. 

“They got few Melbourne fares. They also helped even some time customers to travel one way with half or quarter of the fare as they do not have money.” 

Mr Manzoor said the lack of an official taxi rank at the festival site and poor mobile reception made it harder to book and pick up fares.

“However it was good for our local business. I am sure everyone would have enjoyed and benefited. We need more such events in our area,” he said.