Over the Easter weekend, an illegal rave took place in Watchet, Somerset, disrupting the local community. The police were notified of the event early in the morning due to the booming music that could be heard for miles around. The rave featured makeshift stages with cartoon rabbit faces, gazebos, and loudspeakers. Videos of the event showed people with bunny ears and cans of cider dancing to loud music. Locals were unable to leave their homes as roads were blocked and cars lined the streets, causing frustration among residents.
Despite police presence, the rave continued with hundreds of revellers partying at the unlicensed event. Some locals criticized the police for not taking more decisive action to shut down the rave, expressing concerns for safety and disruption. Eyewitnesses reported feeling trapped in their homes due to the noise and crowds surrounding their properties. The event caused concern for families and cyclists, with one cyclist expressing disappointment that their peaceful ride was interrupted by the illegal rave.
The Avon and Somerset Police responded to two unlicensed music events in the Exmoor area over the Easter weekend. They seized sound equipment from the event near Dunkery Beacon and implemented road closures to maintain public safety and minimize disruption. Despite these efforts, the rave at Kennisham Wood near Luxborough saw several hundred attendees. The police focused on engaging with individuals at the events and providing community reassurance. Enquiries were ongoing into potential public nuisance offenses related to the illegal gatherings.
The rave’s impact on the local community led to frustration and concern among residents, who felt surrounded by loud music and party-goers. One local resident lamented that Exmoor was not a family-friendly place to visit during the event due to the disruptive noise. The rave’s presence also raised worries about the safety and well-being of those in the area. While the police worked to address the situation and preserve public safety, some felt that more action should have been taken to prevent such events from recurring in the future. The illegal rave highlighted the challenges of managing large-scale gatherings and ensuring the peace and safety of local communities.
