Police Disperse Unauthorised Rave Near Almondsbury Following Public Outcry

Local residents and commuters faced significant disruption this past Saturday as an unlicensed music event drew over 100 people to a site near Almondsbury.

Avon and Somerset Police were inundated with reports on the afternoon of August 22, as the gathering caused chaos in the surrounding area. Officers were dispatched to a location off Marshwall Lane at approximately 3:40 p.m. following dozens of calls from concerned members of the public.

Upon arrival, authorities found between 100 and 150 individuals at the scene. The influx of attendees led to significant traffic congestion, with local roads becoming partly blocked as the crowd continued to grow. Police noted that a substantial number of additional people were believed to be en route to the site when officers intervened.

The situation was brought under control in the early evening. Following a police directive, the music was silenced shortly after 5 p.m., and a dispersal notice was issued to those in attendance. By 7 p.m., the majority of the crowd had vacated the area.

As part of their investigation into the unauthorised music event, police seized the sound equipment on the grounds of preventing public nuisance. Further inquiries into the incident are currently ongoing.

Avon and Somerset Police have expressed their gratitude to the members of the public who reported the gathering early. Force spokespeople highlighted that these timely reports are crucial, as they allow officers to intervene before an event can escalate or continue throughout the night.

Authorities issued a stark warning regarding the dangers of unlicensed raves, emphasizing that they are frequently held in unsuitable and potentially hazardous locations, putting both attendees and the wider community at risk.

The force is encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of a potential unauthorised gathering. Indicators include the sharing of promotional materials or location details on social media, the arrival of vehicles carrying sound equipment, or large groups congregating in unusual or isolated areas.

Detailed information regarding how the force responds to such events, along with guidance on the risks involved, can be found on the official Avon and Somerset Police website under the “Unlicensed music events (UMEs): What you need to know” section.