South Wales Police: 'Significant' operation as 3,000 people attend Banwen rave

Image copyright Richard Swingler Image caption An estimated 3,000 people have been at the event in the Dulais Valley in Neath Port Talbot

Police have criticised the "irresponsible" actions of an estimated 3,000 people attending an unlicensed rave near a rural village.

South Wales Police said it had been called to the illegal event at Banwen on the edge of the Brecon Beacons.

The force's chief constable said it had not "seen this scale of event" before.

It comes as tougher penalties come into force in Wales, with illegal rave organisers facing unlimited fines or fixed penalties of up to £10,000.

The Welsh Government's restrictions allow for up to 30 people to meet outdoors.

"After everyone's sacrifices during covid it's totally unacceptable," chief constable Matt Jukes wrote on Twitter.

Image copyright Richard Swingler Image caption One man living 14 miles away said he was kept awake by the "really loud noise"

"Those gathering in large numbers and engaging in antisocial behaviour will know that their actions are irresponsible," said the force.

"To the parents or guardians of young people, we would ask you ensure that you know where their children are and what they are doing."

Jill Molen, from Banwen, called the party "horrendous".

Image caption Jill Molen said people "couldn't sleep at all"

"We couldn't sleep at all, people peeing in the street and taking drugs - screaming and shouting.

"The noise was there all the time. It was a constant beat and banging. It was horrendous.

"We've all been really good with social distancing and covid and this just wrecks it."

'Constant thudding'

Jamie Bowen lives in Resolven, in the Neath Valley, about 14 miles from the rave.

He said he could hear "really loud music" from 03:00 BST.

"There must have been loads of complaints, as it is up in the mountain area, so the sound travels down," he said.

"It wasn't in your face sort of music, but you could still hear it from a great distance, like this constant thudding noise."

Image caption Police were called to the village on Sunday morning

Chief Supt Simon Belcher from South Wales Police said: "This type of illegal gathering is totally unacceptable and we are aware of the concerns it is causing for the local community.

"It has been estimated there are up to 3,000 people at the gathering who have apparently travelled from across the UK and we are looking at all pieces of legislation as to what action can be undertaken safely.

"Unlawfully parked cars will be dealt with and people who continue, despite our advice, to try and attend this illegal event area being turned away."

Police also warned drivers on the nearby Neath to Glynneath A4109 road to "be vigilant" as people have been seen near the road.

On Wednesday, Dyfed-Powys Police used legal powers to disperse a group of 200 young people gathering in Burry Port, near Llanelli.

The force said it had intelligence to suggest a further gathering was being planned over the bank holiday weekend.