Anti-austerity protestors raved for 40 hours straight in Manchester this weekend

Protesters in Manchester partied for 40 hours this weekend, holding an anti-austerity rave in Piccadilly Gardens.

Organised ahead of the Conservative party conference, ravers set up a soundsystem in the city centre area, partying to drum 'n' bass, jungle and more, while making their reasons clear with signs reading "Tories Not Welcome".

It all kicked off on Friday night, running until Sunday morning when police moved into shut things down and confiscate equipment after a reported 400 people gathered at its peak over the weekend.

Despite complaints from local residents and businesses and the effort of Greater Manchester Police, the ravers wouldn't bring things to a halt until the protest march against austerity through the city on Sunday

On Sunday, GMP's Chief Superintendent John O'Hare said: "Throughout the last two days officers have tried to reason with the organisers to find a middle ground which would enable their protest to continue without causing such unreasonable disruption to the wider community.

"Unfortunately they have shown little regard for others, refused to turn the music down to reasonable levels and as a result have made life very uncomfortable for residents and businesses."

Power to the people and all that.

Check out our pick of killer raves here and see some social media posts from Manchester below.