An illegal rave in a remote woodland area of Charlton Wood, north of Chichester, has been shut down by police following a large-scale operation early Sunday morning.
The unauthorised music event, believed to have attracted hundreds of partygoers, sparked safety concerns and significant disruption, leading to the closure of the A286 and a heavy police presence at the scene.
Cars Line Country Lanes as Ravers Descend
Witnesses reported seeing hundreds of vehicles parked along nearby country roads, with music audible from a distance. Although initial police estimates suggested up to 3,000 attendees, this figure was later removed from official communications, and aerial images have shown a smaller gathering.
At least one person was seen in handcuffs being escorted into a police van. Sussex Police have since confirmed that officers remain on-site, working to dismantle the event and identify those responsible for organising it.
Police: “Our Priority Is Public Safety”
Superintendent Shane Baker of Sussex Police said:
“We acted swiftly to identify the woodland site when we were alerted that people were making their way to a rave in the county.
Our priority is ensuring the safety of the community and those in the vicinity as we assess how the rave can be closed down safely and effectively.
Where offences are seen to be committed, we will take action—including for road traffic offences.”
Roads Closed and Investigation Underway
In a bid to stop more people from joining the rave, police sealed off the A286, a major road running through the area. Motorists were advised to avoid the area, and residents reported a heavy police presence, including officers directing traffic and monitoring the woods.
Officers have been attempting to liaise with the organisers and are reviewing footage and evidence from the scene. The unlicensed event is one of several similar raves that typically occur during spring and Easter weekends, drawing large crowds to secluded rural locations.
Community Impact and Wider Context
Locals have expressed frustration over the disruption. A nearby resident told reporters, “You don’t expect to wake up to club music thumping through the forest. The roads were clogged and people were wandering through fields.”
This incident follows a string of recent illegal raves across the UK. Last October, over 1,000 people were removed from an abandoned Wickes DIY store in Bristol, and last Easter, events on Exmoor prompted road chaos and two arrests.
Police continue to urge anyone with dashcam footage or information about the Charlton Wood rave to come forward, as the investigation remains active.
