there were a couple this year, but sadly the venues have been overused and the backlash from the locals has been such that TVP have already decided to put a stop to them very early in the season.
A couple of weekends ago some crews tried one and cops sent 56 officers to block off every entry point to the Ridgeway in West Berkshire and stop a rave from happening.
They even diverted resources from a murder investigation to do this, and justified this by stating they had had numerous complaints over local disruption and “livestock were damaged” at East Hendred (I am not sure what they mean by this), and effectively passing the blame back to the ravers for “creating more problems for cops to have to deal with”.
The cops also have new comms kit and have re-organised their divisions so its a lot easier for them to turn out in large numbers than it was before.
Also a lot of local crews were busted last winter and lost equipment.
This is of course a great shame as I live quite near to the Ridgeway and I guess you do as well – but TBH there has been 14 years of partying up there, and over the last few years things may have gone a bit too far with up to 10 rigs there at a weekend, with parties sometimes even carrying on into Monday (which causes problems to people who actually work on the land due to congestion on the access roads).
there are however still many people in our area who like partying.
I would however suggest you register if you are expecting any more detailed info about free parties.
In the current climate most crews are very wary about giving out info on the web to people who post anonymously on boards, but if you are prepared to contribute a little about yourself (nothing too personal, just an introduction) and what music you like people will be more willing to help you.
