**Police Respond Decisively to Unauthorised Rave in Carmarthenshire Forest**
A significant police operation unfolded in a remote part of Carmarthenshire over the weekend, as officers moved quickly to break up an illegal rave that had attracted a large number of people to Brechfa Forest. The gathering, which began on Saturday night and continued into the small hours of Sunday, has drawn widespread attention from residents and local authorities alike, sparking concerns around public safety and the environmental impact on the woodland area.
According to Dyfed-Powys Police, officers were first notified of the unauthorised event during the night. Upon arriving at the forest, police found the gathering already in full swing, with attendees arriving via numerous vehicles. The force stated that, given the scale of the crowd and potential safety risks associated with shutting down such an event, their immediate priority was to prevent further vehicles and individuals from joining the assembly. This action was instigated under a Section 63 notice, which grants police powers to direct people to leave land when there is reason to believe a rave is being planned or in progress.
Police maintained a visible presence at the scene throughout Sunday as the event began to wind down. Nonetheless, a number of cars and partygoers were reported to still be in the area by the afternoon. Officers continued to patrol the vicinity, liaising regularly with residents and local agencies to address wider concerns, and worked to ensure that the forest would eventually be restored to its usual quiet state.
In an official statement, Dyfed-Powys Police outlined their approach: “Our officers responded rapidly after becoming aware of a substantial, unauthorised gathering overnight at Brechfa. Given the size of the crowd and the practicalities of dispersing such an event, we focused on stopping any further arrivals to limit the scale of disruption.”
The local community has expressed anxiety and frustration following the incident. Residents living near the forest reported being disturbed by loud music which, in some cases, continued into the morning. Authorities have acknowledged the distress caused, pointing out the significant disruption to both the community and the natural environment, including harm to wildlife and damage to the area’s tranquility.
“Events of this nature generate real distress among local people, interrupt the legitimate use of the countryside, and risk damaging sensitive natural habitats,” the police spokesperson continued. “We have taken robust action to address the issue and are engaging with all concerned parties to offer reassurance that further criminal behaviour will be thoroughly investigated.”
There is a recognition among police that such raves are rarely spontaneous. “These gatherings appear to be meticulously organised, often involving detailed knowledge of remote locations. Preventing future events requires vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community.”
Officers are urging those considering attending similar raves to think twice, emphasising that anyone attempting to join would be turned away at the perimeter. Stakeholders are also being asked to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity in rural locations.
The area where the incident unfolded is known for its natural beauty and is frequently visited by walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. Unauthorised mass events can have an outsized impact, not only on those hoping to enjoy the area legitimately but also in terms of the longer-term welfare of the landscape.
Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams remain active in the area, working closely with local people. While police efforts have been praised for their speed and restraint, there is broader debate about how best to balance the need for public safety, community peace, and the responsibilities of law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing into any potential criminal acts that may have taken place during the gathering. The police are encouraging anyone with information about the event or its organisers to come forward. As of Sunday evening, efforts continued to restore Brechfa Forest to its normal, peaceful state.