Sheffield music venues threaten permanent ban over illegal raves

That is the stark warning from the boss of one of Sheffield’s newest venues, who described the planned gatherings as a ‘massive kick in the teeth’ for an industry already left reeling by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Joe Taylor, from Dryad Works which opened last year in Parkwood Springs, branded last weekend’s raves in Manchester an ‘absolute disgrace’ and said ‘we cannot let that happen in Sheffield’.

“Anyone attending any illegal gatherings or this ‘Unlocked Sheffield’ rave this weekend be prepared to be identified, named and permanently banned from ours and many other legitimate establishments in this fine city,” he added.

“We pride ourselves on being legit, solid, healthy and vibrant people.

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“We support a culture that's currently heavily in decline and this is a massive kick in the teeth while we are trying to rebuild a safe environment for the future of our events and legitimate gatherings….

“I can speak on behalf of everyone in the music industry in Sheffield and say that we do not condone these actions and will try our hardest to identify and reject attendees from our venues and establishments once we are allowed to re-open.”

South Yorkshire Police has warned that anyone attending such events faces prosecution, with gatherings of seven or more people prohibited under coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

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The force said it had a good understanding about where gatherings may take place and would be carrying out extra patrols and working with landowners.