Police arrested five individuals and confiscated sound equipment, generators, and vehicles after shutting down an illegal rave in a field near the village of Little Snoring. The event, which drew complaints of a disturbance, was dispersed by officers with riot shields in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Those detained were arrested on suspicion of offenses including possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, driving under the influence of drink and drugs, and operating a licensable activity without authorization. Norfolk Constabulary has launched an investigation to identify the organizers of the unauthorized music event.
Superintendent Craig Miller of Norfolk Constabulary stated that inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event and identify all those involved in its organization. He emphasized the commitment to preventing, disrupting, and stopping such events, as well as mitigating their impact on local communities. Miller also extended thanks to the landowner and local residents for their patience and understanding during the operation.
"Unauthorised music events such as this can cause significant disruption and often result in damage to the natural environment," Miller said. "As they are not required to meet recognised safety standards, they can also place attendees at risk." He added that investigations into those responsible and the surrounding circumstances will continue.
Patrick Galbraith, a local resident, reported that an officer told him riot shields were necessary to break up the event, which surprised him given the perceived number of attendees. He also recounted an interaction with a raver who apologized for using a white substance publicly.
Little Snoring, located near Fakenham, has a population of under 1,000. The village has historical significance, mentioned in the Domesday Book, and features a private airfield and a Grade I listed church.
Illegal outdoor raves have been subject to legal restrictions since 1990 with the Entertainment (Increased Penalties) Act, which imposed fines of up to £20,000. These laws were enacted in response to a rise in clandestine events causing disruption. Further regulations were introduced following the 1992 Castlemorton Common rave, which drew an estimated 20,000 people, granting police powers to stop and redirect vehicles within a five-mile radius of such events under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
Reports suggest a resurgence in the popularity of unregulated music events, potentially fueled by the ongoing closure of traditional nightclubs. An annual report from the Night Time Industries Association estimated approximately 1,350 illegal parties occurred each year in February. In a separate incident on Easter Sunday, riot police were deployed to an illegal rave of around 2,000 people in East Lulworth, Dorset.