Sheffield music community and police work together to prevent illegal lockdown raves

Prompted by advertisements on social media for an illegal gathering organised by an unknown out-of-town group called ‘Unlocked Sheffield’, as well as the devastation caused by illegal lockdown raves in Manchester the week before, the patrols were in place in Kelham and Wickersley overnight, starting at 5pm.

Joe Taylor, owner of music venue Dryad Works in Parkwood Springs, took part in the patrols.

He said that they first heard that the event was initially planned for the old Sheffield Ski Village near Kelham Island.

Groups of volunteers, who usually work to put on music events and legitimate free parties safely in Sheffield, accompanied police to secure the area and make sure no events could gather there.

Joe said: “We would like to thank SYP for an excellent response to this and for putting in strict measures to ensure any party goers were quickly apprehended and plans disrupted before being able to gather en masse.

“With us and a heavy police presence in that area at the time it was locked off and a few teenagers were questioned in the area and held for a short while.”

The group also heard that the event could potentially be moved to behind the Tanyards in Wickersley. They were accompanied by police in that area and prevented any gatherings from happening there as well.

Joe added: “We have heard back from SYP inspector John Mallows who confirmed that no party was able to take place last night in Sheffield and thanked us for our efforts and help.

“It was a real community effort and great to see and be a part of. A successful result for Sheffield!”

When the ‘Unlocked Sheffield’ rave was being advertised, the venue owners and promoters had issued a stark warning to anybody considering going, saying that if found out, they would be banned from attending any future events organised by legitimate Sheffield venues and organisers.