**Police Respond After Illegal Rave Erupts in Remote Welsh Forest**
A substantial unauthorised rave unfolded in mid Wales over the weekend, prompting urgent responses from police and environmental officials, and raising serious concerns about public safety, ecological damage and the welfare of local wildlife.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 3 August, when Dyfed-Powys Police were alerted to a large gathering in Brynrhudd Forestry, a remote part of Ceredigion. The precise number of attendees has not been confirmed, but authorities described the assembly as significant in scale, requiring swift and strategic intervention to contain its impact.
Upon arrival, police officers were faced with a challenging situation. Due to the sheer volume of people at the location and potential risks in forcefully dispersing the crowd, officers opted not to break up the party directly. Instead, they focused on halting the influx of additional people and vehicles, utilising powers under Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. This legislative tool grants police the authority to prevent further entry to unauthorised gatherings, particularly those considered raves.
By late Sunday afternoon, the majority of participants had departed the site, although a minority remained. Police confirmed they continued to closely monitor those still in the forest and maintained open communication to ensure an orderly resolution. Members of the public were advised to avoid the area while the situation was being handled.
Chief Inspector Steve Thomas of Dyfed-Powys Police commented on the substantial disruption caused by such unlicensed events, noting, “We know this type of unlicensed event can cause considerable disruption and concern for safety, as well as harming the environment and disturbing wildlife, which is why we act swiftly with our partners to stop further entry and shut them down.” He acknowledged that these gatherings are often meticulously organised and rely on local knowledge to evade detection and establish themselves in secluded areas.
Ensuring the local community that relevant action was in progress, Chief Inspector Thomas stated, “We assure local communities that appropriate action was taken to deal with this event, and we will robustly investigate any criminal offences that come to light.” His remarks underscored a commitment to both immediate responses and ongoing investigations linked to unauthorised events in rural spaces.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which is responsible for managing stretches of the affected forest, has also been drawn into the response. An NRW spokesperson explained that they are working closely with police and have particular concerns regarding the damage to both the land and the habitats within it. “Our forests and countryside are for everyone to enjoy, but illegal events like this can harm the environment, disturb wildlife, and create unsafe conditions for others,” the spokesperson said.
Both police and NRW have reiterated that members of the public should steer clear of the area until the situation has fully resolved. They also encouraged anyone observing suspicious activity in or around Brynrhudd Forestry to contact the police by phoning 101. This collaborative approach seeks to minimise further disruption and to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.
The occurrence has reignited ongoing debates about the balance between recreational freedom and the protection of rural or designated natural areas. Environmental groups have often highlighted the potential long-term impacts of large unauthorised gatherings—such as littering, soil erosion, and harm to sensitive habitats—whilst residents frequently express anxiety over noise, safety and access.
In summary, while the majority of attendees have vacated Brynrhudd Forestry following swift police engagement, concerns remain around the repercussions of such events and the ongoing vigilance needed to protect the area. Authorities have promised continued monitoring and a thorough investigation into any offences connected to the rave, highlighting both environmental protection and community safety as shared priorities.