Crackdown after thousands gather from across UK at ‘unacceptable’ illegal raves
RAVERS are thought to have travelled from across the UK to an illegal event in Wales attended by up to 3,000 people, despite new rules to crack down on mass gatherings.
Officers were at the scene in Banwen, Neath Port Talbot, yesterday as South Wales Police condemned the “totally unacceptable” event.
It comes as police in Norfolk worked to shut down an all-night unlicensed music event in a forest attended by more than 500 people.
New rules which came into force on Friday ahead of the bank holiday weekend mean organisers of illegal raves could be hit with £10,000 fines.
Chief Superintendent Simon Belcher of South Wales Police said the force was “looking at all pieces of legislation” as they dealt with the huge crowds.
He said “This type of illegal gathering is totally unacceptable and we are aware of the concerns it is causing for the local community.
“I would like to again remind people of their obligations under the current coronavirus legislation and the overarching goal for everyone to take personal responsibility by following Welsh Government regulations to Keep Wales Safe.
“We have a number of resources in attendance including the police helicopter and roads policing officers.
“It has been estimated there are up to 3,000 people at the gathering who have apparently travelled from across the
UK and we are looking at all pieces of legislation as to what action can be undertaken safely.”
He said unlawfully parked cars “will be dealt with” and people who turned up to the event would be turned away.
Norfolk Police described the organisation of a large gathering in Thetford Forest, which began late on Saturday night and which officers believe was due to take place throughout the long weekend, as “extremely disappointing”.
The force said they would have to deploy extra resources to close the event down.
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davison, who is leading the Norfolk Police operation, said it was clear that the “well-established and planned event” was due to continue into today.