More than 1,000 revellers attend huge illegal rave at industrial site over Easter weekend

Four people have been rushed to hospital after more than 1,000 revellers gathered for an illegal rave at an industrial estate where witnesses described seeing semi-conscious bodies lying in the road.

Police said they were called to reports of a loud event in Bridgend, South Wales, on Saturday night and ordered the crowds to disperse.

By lunchtime today there were still hundreds of revellers at the site. 

Officers said more than 70 cars were also at the ‘unlicensed music event’ at 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, occurring at Kenfig Industrial Estate.’

Four people have been rushed to hospital after more than 1,000 revellers gathered for an illegal rave last night 

Pictured are revellers at the rave at the Kenfig Industrial Estate in Margam, South Wales

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Travis said: ‘Initial reports indicated that in excess of 1,000 people and 70 vehicles are in attendance. A number of officers have been deployed. We are urging people to leave the site safely and stay away from the event.

‘The Welsh Ambulance Service has attended in response to calls from the scene. Currently three people have been taken to hospital, none of those persons are seriously injured.’

In a further statement on Sunday afternoon South Wales Police said: ‘Emergency services and local partners remain at the scene of an unlicensed music event at Kenfig Industrial Estate. 

‘One further person has been taken to hospital with non-serious injuries. A small number of vehicles and people remain.

‘Assistant Chief Constable Mark Travis commented: “We are engaging with those present at the scene to ensure they make their way from the site safely whilst respecting local residents. The event is now dissipating and those attending have been leaving throughout the afternoon.

“We have worked with partner agencies to ensure those who need help have been supported. It is disappointing that on one of the busiest days of the year that so many resources have been diverted from supporting local communities manage an illegal event.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and support”.’

One reveller Nigel travelled from Hampshire with his three friends in a van.

South Wales Police said more than 1,000 people were in attendance, with hundreds still there this afternoon

Police arrived at the scene at around 11.40pm and closed off the road to the industrial estate

Around 70 cars were parked near to the event in Margam, South Wales

He said they arrived in the early hours and do not worry about when they have to head home and they go to these sorts of events most weekends.

This weekend, according to Nigel, was a significant event on the rave scene as it’s EggTech.

EggTech is a celebration of techno music at Easter. He said: ‘It’s a class event and this is a good place for it. Last year we had it in Dorset. 100% worth the trip.’

Local resident Chris Davies said: ‘I started work at 6am this morning and I thought it was a concert or something. You could hear it at the bottom of the hill. They’re not much trouble. 

‘There were people walking down this morning and I stopped a guy and asked: “What’s going on? Is it a concert.” He just went “Uuuhhh”. I wasn’t getting much out of him.’

Another participant, Chris, travelled four hours to get here today and said it’s been ‘completely worth it’.

Explaining how they find these raves, he said: ‘Basically they come out about a week before. Everyone sends their numbers in on the social media group and then everyone gets a group text saying: “Ring this number on this day.” 

‘Then on the phone line it gives you a general area to go to. Last night it said “head to Bristol area”. So everyone in the country going was heading to Bristol last night.

‘Then that changed to Cardiff as we were driving through the night. That’s the best thing. It’s an adventure. Eventually you find out where you’re going. I’ve been going to them for years and you get to know so many people. It says on all texts: “Respect the land and respect the police.”

‘It’s just a bit of fun getting loads of people together and having a party.. I’ve always found as long as you’re nice to the police they’re decent.’