Police hunt for ‘mega’ outdoor party as dance fans tire of legal venues
· Forces try to track down expected events
· New surge seen as revolt against ‘chav’ clubs
Steven Morris
Monday July 24, 2006
The Guardian
Police are desperately trying to find out details of a “mega” illegal rave expected to take place in the coming weeks, as forces across the country begin to report a significant resurgence in the free party movement.
First signs of the rebirth of the outdoor rave came last year, but partygoers now appear to be more emboldened to challenge laws brought in 12 years ago by the Conservative government to crush a scene that epitomised the dance and drug culture of the early 90s.
Forces admit there has been a surge in activity, including one party in north Cornwall that was attended by more than 5,000 revellers. Officers are warning landowners and the public to be on their guard after receiving intelligence that large raves may be being planned for weekends in August, particularly over the bank holiday.
The Devon and Cornwall police force is particularly concerned that partygoers will attempt to gather for a large rave in the West Country after the success of the event earlier this summer when revellers were able to sneak on to a disused airfield using a car rally as cover.
On a national level forces are working hard to make sure they share information about raves in the pipeline.
Thames Valley police is using Asbo legislation to try to take out prolific rave organisers, while police in Norfolk, another rave hotspot, this week urged landowners to make sure ravers cannot get access to prime party sites.
The so-called “rebirth of rave” is being put down by enthusiasts as a rebellion against the “chav culture” blighting many clubs and against the sort of music created by the likes of Coldplay…
Full article: http://arts.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,1827406,00.html
