Police shut down “large” illegal rave in Welsh forest

Police in Wales shut down a “large” illegal rave in a forest in Ceredigion over the weekend.

According to Wales Online, the unlicensed event took place at Brynrhudd Forestry near Devil's Bridge on Saturday night (August 2), and raged on through to Sunday daytime.

Dyfed-Powys Police were made aware of a “large gathering” of people in the rural forest area in the early hours of Sunday morning.

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After attending the scene, police stopped cars from entering the area under a Section 63 notice, while the event itself continued through the morning. Police said most attendees had left the site by Sunday afternoon.

"A number of people and vehicles remained in the area during the day, closely monitored by officers, however most attendees had left the area by late afternoon on Sunday," a police spokesperson said.

Steve Thomas, Chief Inspector for Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “This type of unlicensed event can cause considerable disruption and concern for safety, as well as harming the environment and disturbing wildlife.”

Read this next: Locals divided as 2,000-strong illegal rave rages on in Milton Keynes

Speaking on their concerns over the environment, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) explained: "Our forests and countryside are for everyone to enjoy, but illegal events like this can harm the environment, disturb wildlife, and create unsafe conditions for others.”

In July, a 2,000-strong illegal rave kicked on in a forest in Milton Keynes, dividing nearby residents as some complained of noise, and others rallied around partygoers, encouraging them to "rave on".

According to The Milton Keynes Citizen, the party began on the evening of July 19, and continued through the night for some 12 hours until the morning of July 20.

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