Party Vibe

A crackdown on illegal raves to prevent “irreparable damage to the countryside” during the summer festival season was launched last night by the Local Government Association. It placed councils on a state of high alert to tackle a revival of the drug-fuelled raves and free parties that dominated youth culture from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s.

Predicting a return to a summer of illegal parties, the association warned councils that young people had tired of mainstream bands and were turning to “nu-rave” music that was not available at established clubs and festivals. It urged local authorities to scan MySpace and internet message boards to gather intelligence of plans for illegal raves which could “ruin the lives of local residents” and expose music lovers to risks in places beyond the easy reach of the emergency services. Council staff should also visit pubs and clubs to pick up flyers advertising such events.

“The internet and mobile phone technology make illegal raves easier and quicker to organise than back in their heyday when word of mouth was key,” a spokeswoman said.

Five people were arrested after police in riot gear broke up a rave attended by about 3,000 in Wentwood Forest, Monmouthshire, in April. Last month a police car was destroyed while officers were trying to disperse about 500 ravers at a former airfield on land owned by a Conservative peer in Suffolk.

The association said: “Illegal raves could sweep the nation again this summer, with many taking place around festival days.” South-west England and the home counties were the most likely locations. It provided councils with a five-point plan to get ahead of the game.

If an illegal event was being organised, councils should help the organisers apply for a temporary event licence on suitable land.

They should work with the police and local landowners and set out plans and powers, such as injunctions and the seizing of sound equipment.

They should gather intelligence of future events by scanning the internet and visiting pubs and clubs. Councils should also ask landowners and residents to remain vigilant, particularly around festival days and bank holidays, and consider setting up designated “free party” sites to avoid damage to the countryside, and a hotline for residents to call if they have concerns about illegal events taking place.

The association has identified Klaxons, New Young Pony Club, Shitdisco, Trash Fashion and Hot Chip as leading exponents of nu-rave, described by a council spokeswoman as “punk meets disco”.

She said: “We don’t want to be seen as party poopers. Councils have people’s best interests at heart and we want to encourage freedom of choice. People should be able to listen to whatever music they like. But we do want these events to be as safe and manageable as possible.”

Examples of effective action included intelligence gathering by South Somerset district council which prevented 80 illegal events from taking place. Chris White, chairman of the Local Government Association’s culture, tourism and sport board, said: “We need the eyes and ears of local people.

“Some raves are nothing more than a nuisance, but others pose a serious threat to the environment and to public safety. Many partygoers take dangerous chemical cocktails, with limited access to the emergency services, putting themselves and others at great risk.

“The impact of raves can be more than just a bit of noise and a minor disturbance. Councils strive to keep the places where people live clean and tidy, and the effects on wildlife and farmland can be irreversible, causing financial and natural ruin as a result of land being littered with human waste and rubbish.” If the event organisers had nothing to hide, they should talk to their council about putting on a legitimate party. “But if their motives are less honourable, they will be dealt with by using the full force of the law,” he added.