An illegal rave in the St Philips area of Bristol was shut down by police after less than 30 minutes of music after people informed officers of the event. Police officers were called to Sparke Evans Park at around 6.35pm after multiple members of the public reported amplified music being played in the area.
Avon and Somerset Police said around 40 people were found in the area with sound equipment and lighting already set up. The force said officers explained to the organisers that, if they didn’t dismantle the equipment, it may be seized by police officers.
The organisers agreed and the music was turned off by 7pm. Inspector Mark Partridge said: “We wish to thank everyone who called in yesterday and informed us there was an unlicensed music event taking place.
“We estimate 150 or so other people tried to attend the event, many after we arrived, and therefore had we not been called by members of the public at an early stage then our job to prevent this event from happening would have been significantly more difficult.
“Proactive action like this is not an attempt to stop people having fun. It is necessary to prevent communities being disrupted by these events and also to ensure public safety. Unlicensed events which are frequently held in inappropriate locations, without the necessary safety considerations, can put people’s safety at risk.”