Unlicensed "Valentine’s Day rave" in Devon shut down by police - News - Mixmag
News

Unlicensed "Valentine’s Day rave" in Devon shut down by police

Around 300 people were asked to leave event in Haldon Forest at 3:AM on Sunday

  • Words: Gemma Ross | Photo: Robin Stott
  • 14 February 2023
Unlicensed "Valentine’s Day rave" in Devon shut down by police

An illegal rave celebrating Valentine’s Day has been shut down by police in Devon, according to the BBC.

The event was reported to have been attended by around 250-300 people on Saturday night, before officers attempted to shut it down in the early hours of Sunday morning — two sets of speakers were later seized by police.

Set up to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day, which falls today, February 14, the illegal rave took place near the A38 in Haldon Forest just close to Devon and was thought to be advertised on social media under the name ‘Valentine’s Rave’.

Read this next: Six-day illegal rave in Spanish village "magnificently organised" according to mayor

The event was reportedly shut down at 3:AM on Sunday morning, with one person arrested for drink and drug offences.

“The area had been completely cleared by the early afternoon on Sunday,” said Acting Chief Inspector Steve Philp following the illegal event.

“A potentially difficult situation was resolved quickly and peacefully. Illegal raves were not just a nuisance to local communities by playing loud music, blocking roads and littering the area, but they are a danger to those who attend too.”

Read this next: "The house was vibrating": Illegal rave in Devon could be heard from 15 miles away

Philip also added that locations such as these are usually picked for their remoteness, but are often “not suitable for large-scale gatherings”.

According to Devon and Cornwall police, checkpoints were set up to check the “intoxication and substance misuse” of those leaving the rave.

A force statement added: “Police teams responded to reports of an unlicensed music event near the A38 where approximately 250 - 300 people were in attendance for what was believed to have been arranged on social media as a ‘Valentine’s Rave’.”

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter

Load the next article
Newsletter 2

Mixmag will use the information you provide to send you the Mixmag newsletter using Mailchimp as our marketing platform. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us. By clicking sign me up you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Loading...
Loading...
Newsletter 2

Mixmag will use the information you provide to send you the Mixmag newsletter using Mailchimp as our marketing platform. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us. By clicking sign me up you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.