Revellers Arrested After 200 Attend Illegal Quarry Rave

More than a dozen people were arrested following an illegal rave attended by approximately 200 revellers at Asham Quarry in Bulls Green, Chantry, near Frome. Avon and Somerset Police responded to complaints from local residents about loud music and found 200 attendees and 100 vehicles at the site in the early hours of Sunday, June 8.

At 1:20 a.m., officers took action under a section 65 order of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, issued by the duty Superintendent at 3 a.m., which prohibited any further entry to the event. Despite efforts to engage with the crowd and encourage dispersal, the challenging terrain of the quarry made safely ending the event during the night difficult, especially as many attendees were intoxicated.

Chief Inspector Becky Wells-Cole, head of neighbourhood policing, emphasized the complexity of managing large unauthorized music events. She explained that the single access point to the quarry, heavy foliage, and complete darkness required a carefully planned response prioritizing officer and public safety.

“I understand the disruption this caused the local community and want to reassure residents that officers were on site from the initial call and worked diligently to end the event,” said Chief Inspector Wells-Cole. The music was finally silenced around 9:30 a.m., and police remained on site until the last attendees left by 2 p.m.

Thirteen individuals were arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and are currently in custody pending interviews and further investigation. Additionally, police seized five van-loads of music equipment and staging.

Chief Inspector Wells-Cole thanked residents for their patience and cooperation and promised increased visible police patrols in the area. She also urged the community to report signs of illegal raves such as social media advertisements, large gatherings, or vans unloading sound equipment.