Four people were hospitalized after more than 1,000 revelers gathered for an illegal rave in an industrial area, where witnesses reported seeing semi-conscious bodies lying in the street.
Police said they were called to reports of a loud event in Bridgend, south Wales, on Saturday night and ordered the crowd to disperse.
As of noon today, there were still hundreds of revelers at the site.
Officials said more than 70 cars were also at the “unlicensed music event” at the Kenfig Industrial Estate.
South Wales Police said in a statement: “At 11.40pm on Saturday 8 April, South Wales Police were called to reports of an unlicensed music event taking place at the Kenfig Industrial Estate.”
Four people have been hospitalized after more than 1,000 revelers gathered for an illegal rave last night
Pictured are revelers at the rave at the Kenfig Industrial Estate in Margam, South Wales
Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Travis said: “Initial reports indicate that more than 1,000 people and 70 vehicles are present. A number of officers were deployed. We urge people to leave the premises safely and stay away from the event.
“The Welsh Ambulance Service attended in response to calls from the scene. Currently three people have been hospitalized, none of these people are seriously injured.’
In a further statement on Sunday afternoon, South Wales Police said: “Emergency services and local partners remain at the site of an unlicensed music event at the Kenfig Industrial Estate.
“Another person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. A small number of vehicles and people remain.
‘Assistant Chief Constable Mark Travis commented: “We are working with those present at the scene to ensure they move away from the site safely while respecting local residents. The event is now winding up and those present have left throughout the afternoon.
“We have been working with partner agencies to ensure those who need help are supported. It is disappointing that so many resources were diverted from helping local communities manage an illegal event on one of the busiest days of the year.
“I want to thank the local community for their patience and support.”
A reveler, Nigel, arrived in a van from Hampshire with his three friends.
South Wales Police said more than 1,000 people were in attendance, with hundreds still there this afternoon
The police arrived at the scene around 11:40 p.m. and blocked the road to the commercial area
He said they arrived early in the morning and didn’t worry about what time they would have to drive home, and they went to such events most weekends.
This weekend was a significant event in the rave scene according to Nigel as it is EggTech or EggTek, an Easter celebration of techno music.
The annual event is part of the Peace Love Unity Respect (PLUR) and “Free Rave Movement” that emerged in the United States in the 1990s.
Free raves intend to offer revelers a chance to “escape” and dance freely in a safe space among like-minded people.
Nigel said: “It’s a class event and this is a good place for it. Last year we had it in Dorset. 100% worth a trip.”
Local resident Chris Davies said: “I started work at 6am this morning thinking it was a concert or something. You could hear it at the bottom of the hill. They don’t cause much trouble.
“People were walking down this morning and I stopped a guy and I was like, ‘What’s going on? Is it a concert?’ He just went ‘Uuuhhh’. I didn’t get much out of him.’
Another participant, Chris, traveled four hours to get here today and said it was “absolutely worth it”.
Explaining how they find these raves, he said, “Basically, they come out about a week before. Everyone posts their number on the social media group, and then everyone gets a group text message that says, “Call this number that day.”
“Then on the phone line it gives you a general area to go to. Last night it said: “Heading to the Bristol area”. So everyone in the country drove to Bristol last night.
“Then that changed after Cardiff as we drove through the night. This is the best. It’s an adventure. At some point you will find out where you are going. I’ve been going to them for years and you meet so many people. All lyrics read: “Respect the country and respect the police.”
“It’s just a bit fun to get a lot of people together and have a party. I’ve always thought as long as you’re nice to the police, they’re decent.”
Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, the Welsh Ambulance Service urged people not to ‘waste vital resources’.
The service said: “The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to protect their resources over the four day bank holiday weekend.
“The Trust is reminding people to collect all medicines, including prescriptions, and stock up on first aid supplies to treat minor injuries and illnesses as they would at home.
“Along with the four-day weekend comes an improved weather picture and we are asking the public to drink responsibly and treat our rescue workers with respect.”
Sonia Thompson, Assistant Director of Operations (Emergency Medical Service), said: “We always see an increase in demand for our services over a long weekend and this weekend is expected to be no different.
“Better weather usually means more people are out to socialize or traveling to visit family and friends. So it’s important that they pick up their prescriptions, have a stocked first aid kit in their homes and cars, and know what services to call if they become ill or sustain an injury.’
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