Stanmer Park: Brighton Rave Broken Up

Monday, 26 October 2020 08:07

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Woodland in Stanmer Park, scene of an attempted illegal rave (Photo: © John Warburton)

In the early hours of Sunday morning (October 25), an estimated 200 people were dispersed, after attempting to attend an illegal and unlicensed rave in Brighton's Stanmer Park.

Police said the alarm was raised at 2.30am after an unusual number of people were seen converging on the area.

Officers attended and were able to disperse around 200 people and seize sound equipment from the location.

Enquiries were contining to identify the organisers of the event who face a £10,000 fine.

Sergeant Karen Osborn said:

"The earlier that we hear about raves occurring, the more likely it is that we are able to act quickly to nip them in the bud.

"Raves are spontaneous by their very nature and once established, especially during the hours of darkness, they are very difficult to close down safely.

"However, they are unlicensed and there are no controls over health and safety or facilities to ensure the welfare of those attending.

"On top of that, with the country in the grip of a worldwide pandemic, such gatherings take no account of social distancing measures, are illegal and completely irresponsible."

According to the county's police service, the earlier that officers are alerted to a rave taking place, the greater the chance of preventing them becoming established.

They said the signs of large-scale illegal parties include:

the removal of locks from secured access points
vehicles, particularly panel vans or larger, driving off road
groups of vehicles congregating in rural areas
convoys of vehicles
loud music from remote locations

Sgt Osborn continued:

"While rave organisers and those who attend see no harm in their unlicensed and illegal activities, these events can cause an immense amount of disruption to communities, especially rural ones.

"On this occasion, thanks to the vigilance of the local community, we were able to shut down and clear the site within an hour, seizing a generator and a significant amount of sound equipment."

Anyone with information about the organisation of the rave is asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 157 of 25/10.