10 people arrested at 300-strong illegal rave in Suffolk forest
Soundsystems were also seized at the unlicensed event, which took place near Capel St Andrew over the weekend
10 people were arrested at a 300-strong illegal rave in Suffolk over the weekend, where a "significant amount" of music equipment was also seized by police.
Suffolk Constabulary shared a statement on the evening of Sunday, July 26, urging locals not to attend the unlicensed event, which took place at Rendlesham Forest near Capel St Andrew.
Police were reportedly called to the scene in the early hours of Sunday morning following reports of a gathering, where an estimated 50 people were thought to be in the forest area.
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On arrival, police discovered around 300 people with "sound equipment and music being played". Police then attempted to block entrances to the event to stop more vehicles from entering the area.
Officers remained at the scene throughout the day, eventually closing down the rave before 9:30PM on Sunday evening. A "significant amount of equipment, including music decks and speakers," was seized from the site, along with two vans.
10 people were then arrested, including one on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, and two who were arrested on suspicion of drug-driving. The remaining seven were arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.
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"Suffolk Constabulary takes seriously criminality associated with unlicensed music events and we take robust steps to close them down and pursue those responsible for organising them," said T/DCC Alice Scott.
While police condemned the "disruption" caused by the event, locals rallied around ravers in response to the Suffolk Constabulary’s statement. "Dancing is not a crime," one wrote. "Let the young ones enjoy themselves, there's nothing else for them to do," another said.
"It was a good party," one claimed. "Lovely vibes and I met some really nice people. No police turned me away whenever I walked past them, they didn’t even speak to me. But if I nod or wave, they would do the same."
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor