SEPTEMBER | OPINION
Michael Kill, CEO of Night
Time Industries Association,
says the surge in illegal raves
is frustrating to watch for a
paralysed event industry that is
expert at keeping people safe.
However, it illustrates the pentup
demand for events and
could mirror the 1980s rave
scene, and spark a new era of
creativity.
Anger and frustration
have driven the
socially starved to seek
alternative social experiences.
With an escalation in illegal
raves across the country, it’s
difficult to imagine that at this
time, thousands of people would
have been attending festivals
across the UK.
It’s very hard to sit by and
watch as these unregulated
events take place, increasing
in popularity, becoming more
frequent and presenting new
challenges for police and
regulators.
Most of the events sector is
left in limbo, without a timeline
for viable market re-engagement
and no additional Government
financial support while events
are unable to take place.
I am not sure we have reached
the dizzy heights of the late
1980s, and the Acid House raves
which brought a revolution on
the dance floor. This is not about
The return of illegal raves
revolution, this is about survival.
If you mention “illegal raves”
to anyone over 45, they’ll tell
you about their UK beginnings
in the 1980s. Back when Acid
House arrived on the scene, and
a new cultural movement spread
across the country.
In 1994, the Government
passed legislation banning
large events featuring music
“characterised by the emission
of a succession of repetitive
beats”. Raves were officially
illegal but it didn’t stop them
happening, and they continue
today.
So, what has fueled the revival,
are we experiencing a new rave
era? Is this a form of expression
or protest?
Many see their events as a
way of reclaiming their cities,
at a time when so many young
people want to push back
against the establishment. But
there can be higher risks due to
the fact they’re unregulated. Not
every rave will have appropriate
security or first aid, meaning
there can be a real chance of
something going seriously
wrong.
We cannot ignore the fact
that some of the people that now
occupy the festival and events
sector have been inspired by the
original rave scene and continue
to aspire to achieve that
renaissance feel of the past.
It has been 30 years, but the
spirit of the 1988 Summer of
Love is still alive. There are
obvious differences, but the
desire to party illegally is clearly
not going away. The question is
how can we harness the creative
energy from these parties, make
them safe but inspire people at
the same time?
Events and festivals have
become a vital part of British
heritage, generating millions
of pounds in revenue for the
economy. We know the demand
for events and festivals is there,
but under current restrictions
the sector is fighting for
survival.
We must utilise our expertise
alongside Government, to
find ways to reopen safely and
viably. We can come together
once again, remembering the
importance of our past, but
protecting our future.
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