Warning of Bank Holiday illegal raves by farmers and landowners association after Twyford Woods

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) East is urging the region’s farmers and landowners to remain vigilant against possible unlicensed musical events on their land this Bank Holiday weekend.
Image of the illegal rave at Twyford Woods in May.Image of the illegal rave at Twyford Woods in May.
Image of the illegal rave at Twyford Woods in May.

It follows the rave on May 23 and 24 which saw around 1,000 people descend on land at Twyford Woods.

CLA East are advising its members to reduce the risk of any illegal activity occurring in empty and remote buildings, by ensuring they are secure and regularly monitored.

They also recommend that access to land is restricted wherever possible by the use of locked gates, and that landowners, farmers and their employees report any unusual activity around buildings or land to police.

This includes:

* any information that an illegal rave is taking place

* any sightings of vans, lorries or large numbers of vehicles gathering near woods, rural car parks or near to disused buildings/warehouse

* sightings of fliers advertising raves

* broken padlocks on access gates to areas where a rave may take place.

CLA East regional director Ben Underwood said: “Illegal raves cause a great deal of disruption to local communities, with the resulting mess causing considerable harm to both wildlife and the environment.

“These illegal gatherings can also create unnecessary problems for landowners, who could fall victim to considerable clean-up costs and expensive repairs to outbuildings.

“We urge farmers and landowners to help the police by reporting any suspicious activity, as early intervention and good local intelligence can prevent these illegal events from taking place.

“Officers find it much harder to shut down a rave once it has already started so if you spot anyone suspicious on rural land or a number of unfamiliar vehicles in your area, then please report any such activity on the non-emergency number of 101 as soon as possible.”