Public thanked for early calls as sound equipment seized at unauthorised music event

Sound equipment was seized by officers responding to an unauthorised music event in South Gloucestershire yesterday (Saturday 22 August).

Police were called to an area off Marshwall Lane, near Almondsbury and Tockington, at about 3.40pm.

On arrival, officers found there were approximately 100-150 people present and local roads partially blocked due to the volume of traffic. A significant number of other people were believed to be heading to the area too.

The music was turned off shortly after 5pm and a dispersal notice was put in place requiring people to leave the area. Most people had left by 7pm.

Sound equipment was seized by officers on the grounds of public nuisance and further enquiries will be carried out.

We are grateful to the members of the public who reported this early to us, which meant officers were able to intervene and prevent the event from continuing throughout the night.

Unlicensed music events can cause significant disruption to communities and put attendees at risk as they are often held in unsuitable, and sometimes unsafe, locations.

The earlier we are aware of a potential event, the greater the opportunity for us to intervene and prevent it escalating.

You can help by reporting signs that an unauthorised event may be taking place, such as: 

• Promotion or location details being shared online
• Vehicles arriving with sound equipment
• Large groups gathering in unusual locations