Festival promoter’s vehicles torched after Israeli DJ threats

The promoter behind the dance and camping festival Frequency Forest claims vehicles were set alight following weeks of threats linked to the booking of Israeli DJs.

In a statement released over the weekend, the promoter said the alleged threats and incident forced organisers to remove the artists from the festival line-up on safety grounds.

“Regardless of anyone’s views on the current situation internationally, as a promoter I cannot knowingly put the safety of our patrons, artists, or staff at risk. We respect the right of people to peacefully protest, express their views, or choose not to attend an event. What we cannot accept are threats, intimidation, or violence,” the promoter said.

“This is not a decision we wanted to make. However, after weeks of escalating threats, our responsibility has to be to the safety of everyone attending and working at our events.”

Police investigation underway

NSW Police confirmed to Rolling Stone AU/NZ that they had launched an investigation into an alleged threatening email. Police did not confirm the promoter’s claims regarding the vehicles.

“On Wednesday 16 September 2026, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation following reports of a threatening email being sent to a showground in Maitland regarding a music festival,” police said.

Frequency Forest, which launched in 2024, had been scheduled to take place in Maitland this weekend. Organisers have since relocated the festival to several Sydney club venues as an “additional safety measure”.