​Music equipment seized and arrests made at 2,500-person illegal rave near Chichester

An illegal rave near Chichester was shut down by police last weekend.

The unlicensed event, suspected to have been attended by around 2,500 people, took place in Charlton Forest just north of Chichester on Saturday, April 19.

Thousands flocked to the woodland rave, with people travelling from all over the UK to attend.

Police received reports of "disturbance" in the area at around 10:PM, later reporting to the scene to block nearby roads. They later seized music equipment including speakers, soundsystems, and stages.

Read this next: Four people hospitalised following 1000-strong illegal rave in South Wales

According to Sussex Police, 25 people were arrested following the event, 19 of those on suspicion of drug-driving. Others were arrested on suspicion of causing public nuisance, possession of Class A and B drugs, and other such crimes.

Of the 25 people arrested, 22 were said to have travelled from outside of Sussex, attending from Norfolk, Devon, Lincoln, Wiltshire, and even further afield.

“We acted swiftly to identify the woodland site when we were alerted that people were making their way to a rave in the county,” said Superintendent Shane Baker.

Read this next: 200-person illegal rave at Liverpool Castle shut down by police

He added: “Officers are there attempting to identify and liaise with the organisers of the illegal gathering. Our priority is ensuring the safety of the community and those in the vicinity as we assess how the rave can be closed down safely and effectively.”

In response to Chichester Police’s report of the unlicensed event on Facebook, one local commented: “3000 people lol good organisation skills to whoever set it. Gutted it's getting ruined!”

Another responded: “When I was younger I always went to the raves in the woods... best parties I ever went to! Nothing else to do ‘round here that doesn't cost the earth!”

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter