Guests at illegal wedding party fined in police raid
A PHOTOGRAPH has revealed an illegal wedding party in a barn busted by police in Merthyr Tydfil.
Police handed out fines to eight people after they turned up at the wedding party on Saturday night after receiving reports that people were gathering in breach of the coronavirus regulations.
A number of images of the party were shared publicly on social media, via Facebook and Snapchat.
The Echo approached the couple yesterday. They declined to comment.
South Wales Police said there were eight people present but one image appears to show several more guests enjoying the celebrations in the Heolgerrig area.
Bunting saying “Just married” can be seen hanging from the roof, alongside an electric heater, a number of chairs and balloons.
Despite the Welsh Government lifting the ban on travel in Wales from Saturday, meaning an end to the ‘stay local’ rule, people are still prohibited from gathering indoors with people from other households. Outdoors, up to six people from two different households can meet and exercise.
It is unclear how many people attended the event in the Heolgerrig area – but police handed out fines to eight people when they arrived.
In February the Welsh Government allowed licensed wedding venues, such as visitor attractions and hotels, to reopen but only to perform wedding and civil partnership ceremonies.
Wedding receptions or other social gatherings after the ceremony remain banned.
The number of people who can attend ceremonies depends on the size of the venue and its ability to allow people to observe social distancing.
The Welsh Government guidance states: “Many people will want to celebrate the occasion with a reception or other forms of social gatherings with friends and family. In alert level four, receptions are prohibited.”
One person, who did not attend the event but knew others that were invited, told the Echo on Sunday: “There was a secret wedding gathering on private land in an abandoned barn.
“Police arrived at the scene and guests were seen walking away from the event. I know people who were invited to the event and it was public for everyone to see on Snapchat maps.”
A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “At around 5.20pm on Saturday evening officers attended an address in the Heolgerrig area of Merthyr Tydfil following a report of a gathering in breach of Welsh Government Covid regulations.
“Upon attendance fixed penalty notices were issued to all present (eight) and they were advised to vacate the premises.”