The Rise Of The Illegal Lockdown Rave Scene

For many of us, it’s been a solitary and boring year. With lockdowns, quarantines and 10pm curfews, there aren’t many places we can let loose like we used to. This has made for a dull year and a missed summer, however some aren’t accepting this loss of social life. 

‘Quarantine raves’ have been popping up everywhere this summer, with people turning up in the thousands, these illegal gatherings go against the UK social distancing rules and, well, pretty much all government guidelines. Events are usually shut down by police if caught, and in some cases partiers are hit with fines of up to £10,000. 

The underground raves are a reminder of the late 80s and early 90s scene, a picture of disenfranchised youth trying to escape the grim reality of daily life. In 1994 the UK passed its Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, effectively banning unlicensed events which feature “sounds wholly or predominantly characterized by the emissions of a succession of repetitive beats.” Of course, the raves never stopped, they just went further underground and this is where history is repeating itself. In 2020 these events are happening more than ever, especially due to the sheer amount of “socially starved” youth.

It’s easy to understand the frustration people feel, working from home and being unable to see friends is excruciating – especially as the nights start to draw in and it’s constantly dark. But, at these events how do you know everyone is negative? Will you end up making someone ill? For some it’s moral decisions vs. mental health. Hopefully, in the new-year restrictions will ease and we’ll be able to party legally again. 

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