According to the statement, the trouble began after the festival announced its lineup, which included several Israeli artists. Organizers claim this inclusion made them the target of a sustained boycott campaign. The lineup for the September 25-27 event at Maitland Showgrounds featured Israeli DJs Astrix, Berg, Ghostrider, Ranji, and Ritmo on its Mandala Stage, alongside international and local acts such as Interactive Noise, Liquid Soul, and Morten Granau.
The organizers say this boycott campaign translated into significant pressure on venues and associated organizations. While they initially attempted to resolve the situation privately with venues, artists, and authorities, they state the situation has since “moved well beyond venue pressure.”
Direct Threats and Police Involvement
Organizers report receiving direct written threats referencing serious violence, including threats involving fire directed at the event and its venues. These messages have been handed to police and are now part of an ongoing safety and threat assessment.
The statement includes a redacted screenshot of one such email, dated Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The message, with the subject line “Zionist frequency forest festival,” asks whether the event will proceed and references the Israeli artists in hostile terms. It also asks whether the sender could bring 10 to 15 litres of petrol into the venue, questioning the event’s fire precautions.
Alleged Car Fire Link Remains Unconfirmed
The statement follows a reported incident on August 16, in which two vehicles belonging to an event partner were destroyed by fire in Melbourne’s Malvern East. The vehicles, identified as a BMW X7 and a Mercedes-AMG A45S, were reported to police, and the incident remains under investigation.
While media coverage has alleged the fire was connected to the anti-Israel boycott campaign against the festival, Frequency Forest’s statement is more cautious. Organizers explicitly state they are not asserting the incident is connected to the threats received, leaving the alleged link unconfirmed by both the festival and police at this stage.
Event Format Changes and a Distinction on Protest
Organizers say the event format is being changed “to ensure the events we deliver can be operated responsibly and within environments where security and access can be more effectively controlled.” This aligns with earlier reporting that the Maitland leg was cancelled and remaining performances were relocated to nightclub venues in Sydney. They describe the situation as “incredibly challenging” for their team, venues, artists, suppliers, and community.
The statement also draws a clear line between legitimate protest and the actions directed at the event. Organizers say they respect the right to peacefully protest and express political views, but state that threats of violence, intimidation, and deliberate property damage “cannot be treated as ordinary peaceful protest.”
Frequency Forest says ticket holders will receive a separate email shortly outlining updated arrangements. They have asked the public to wait for that direct communication rather than rely on speculation.