Welsh farmers warned to guard against ravers

Farmers are being advised to be vigilant in the run up to the August Bank Holiday after the cancellation of a number of summer festivals has led to fears that farmland could be a target for illegal raves.

In Pembrokeshire, where around 2500 people gathered for a rave on farmland earlier this year, county NFU Cymru chairman Mike McNamara said farmers should do everything they could to make land unattractive to ravers.

Speaking on the opening day of the Pembrokeshire County Show on Tuesday (17 August), Mr McNamara said rural Wales could be a prime target for ravers.

During the recession, several festivals had been cancelled and there were worries that people could look for alternative venues.

Pembrokeshire alone had been invaded by thousands of party-goers three times in recent years, Mr McNamara said.

“This could happen again in any area of rural Wales,” he added.

“Each of these past events has involved a large number of people occupying land without piped water or toilet facilities and the use of very loud music equipment.

“Also, once the party is over the site has been left strewn with litter, broken glass, used needles and human waste.”

NFU Cymru warned farmers to be careful about “inviting” people onto their land because the authorities could see it as an open invitation for an illegal gathering.

The union said the occupier of farmland had the legal right to block entrances onto land as long as a right of way was not obstructed.

Farmers were under no obligation to move livestock away from rave sites, it added.

Mr McNamara said the local authority in Pembrokeshire had been supportive of farmers whose land was occupied during the rave in May.

“We would advise any farmer who may have the misfortune to be the victim of this type of event in the future to contact the relevant authority to ensure they act in a similar manner,” he added.