Police have released dramatic photos capturing the scale of an illegal rave in Somerset, which led to the arrest of thirteen people. The event took place in Asham Quarry, Bulls Green, Chantry, near Frome, during the early hours of Sunday, June 8.
According to reports, around 200 attendees and approximately 100 vehicles had gathered at the site by 1:20 am when police intervened. Officers arrested thirteen individuals on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.
Images from the scene show large crowds in front of multiple stage setups within the quarry. Police seized vans filled with equipment and stage rigs as part of their operation. After working through the night, officers managed to stop the music at around 9:30 am. The last participants left the area around 2 pm.
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Those arrested were subsequently released under investigation, with Avon and Somerset Police continuing their inquiries. A spokesperson stated: “All 13 suspects have been released under investigation and enquiries are ongoing.”
Neighbourhood policing Chief Inspector Becky Wells-Cole commented on the complexity of safely ending such a large-scale unauthorised event. She explained that the quarry’s terrain posed significant challenges, featuring a single entry and exit point, dense foliage, and limited visibility during nighttime hours.
“Due to the quarry’s unique layout and the risks involved, including many attendees being intoxicated, our response was carefully planned to ensure the safety of officers and the public,” Wells-Cole said.
She also thanked the local community for reporting the incident and assured them that police maintained a presence from the first notification until the event was fully dispersed. The officer added, “Thanks to the dedication of our team, we were able to turn off the music by 9:30 am and bring the event to a safe conclusion.”