Police shut down 30-hour long illegal rave attended by 3,000 people in Welsh forest
Police have shut down an illegal rave attended by 3,000 people in a forest in Wales that lasted for 30 hours.
The event, which flouted coronavirus restrictions, started at about 3am on Sunday in Banwen, near the Brecon Beacons.
It was the largest of a number of illegal raves and parties across the Bank Holiday weekend.
Officers were still removing ravers from the site in Wales on Monday morning.
South Wales Police said eight people have been fined up to £10,000, while there were further arrests for public order offences and driving under the influence of drugs.
The force said it had identified 22 people it suspected of planning the rave. It is using drone footage to identify the organisers.
There were still about 400 people at the site on Monday morning.
Police confiscated several sound systems from the 4,000-acre site.
#UPDATE | We have now reported 22 people we believe to have been involved in organising an illegal rave in #Banwen for summons.
More information ⬇️
^jc https://t.co/AyuwQoOiqp— South Wales Police (@swpolice) August 31, 2020
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thorne said: “We responded as soon as we became aware of the event and we have had a police presence on site day and night and I would like to reassure local communities we acted as robustly as we can and we will continue to do so.
“It is extremely disappointing and disrespectful to our communities that we have had to deal with an event like this, not only on a busy weekend for the emergency services, but also during the coronavirus pandemic where legislation has been put in place to keep everyone safe.
“Those gathering know that their actions are irresponsible and many travelled hundreds of miles to attend the event.”
Under newly introduced legislation to enforce social distancing in England and Wales, those convicted or organising an unlicensed music event of more than 30 people can be fined up to £10,000.
South Wales Police were assisted by officers from Dyfed Powys Police and the British Transport Police, as well as a police helicopter.
Police clamped down on a number of illegal parties across the UK at the weekend.
Officers in Norfolk broke up a rave attended by 500 people at Thetford Forest, while the Metropolitan Police said it had shut down 21 unlicensed music events in London.
West Yorkshire Police said eight people were fined £10,000 after several parties across Headingley and Burley on Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday.
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