WITH subwoofers and strobes at the ready, hundreds of revellers poured into Bestbrook Mountain Resort, Maryvale, yesterday afternoon for three days of dance party madness.

What they may not have known was that Southern Downs Regional Council had successfully pursued a court order, which forbids the Manifest festival from playing music through the night.

Owners of Bestbrook, along with festival organisers, said yesterday they were confident the techno music wouldn't disturb surrounding landholders and felt council did everything in its power to stop the event from even happening.

However, council chief executive officer, Rod Ferguson, said the local authority had to protect surrounding residents and that the organisers hadn't followed due process.

"Normally organisers apply for this kind of event months in advance," he said.

Manifest is a three-day, all ages event, which sold 500 pre-sale tickets and had more than 100 performers lined up to take the stage. Organisers tipped it should attract more than the 700 who attended the event last year.

Advertised as a community, art and music festival it's the second year the festival has been held at the Maryvale site. Mr Ferguson said the council didn't even know it was happening until he received complaints from surrounding landholders.

Last Thursday organisers submitted an application for permission for the event, but Mr Ferguson said that didn't give council enough time to consult other state government departments, such as the Department of Main Roads and DERM.

However Bestbrook owner Ray Vincent, who has previously been involved in legal wrangles with council over the establishment of a car yard on the property, said he felt council had gone out of its way to stop the festival.

"Since Monday morning this week the council has done everything in their power to stop this event from happening," he said.

"The people that have planned this event are not only professional but very eco-conscious. They have figured out every detail so that no damage is done to the environment. This is a no drug and alcohol event and we have organised food, first aid, stalls, portable toilets and so many other things at great cost and effort to make this event safe as well as fun."

Mr Vincent said there were decibel machines in place and he could "personally guarantee" any noise that passed the property boundary would be within the legal level.

Police say they will be patrolling the area and will deal with any offences.

Mr Ferguson couldn't comment on what would happen if the organisers violated the court order, but they could face hefty fines.