'Raves are making a resurgence'

Raves tend to be smaller now than in their heyday

With Essex police breaking up an illegal rave involving 600 revellers on the August bank holiday weekend, does it mean the rave scene is back in fashion?

It never actually went away according to some music journalists, who believe raves have increased in popularity especially during the summer, but not on the scale of those in the 1990s.

Jonathan Wingate, a freelance journalist who attended raves in the past, believes there has always been a demand for them, but it is only recently that they have attracted any publicity.

He said: "There has definitely been a resurgence in raves, but small gatherings of people, rather than huge ones during the summer of love in the 1980s.

If you're not into binge drinking or getting into fights and are interested in dance music, then raves are appealing Chris Salmon Music journalist

"Just because Franz Ferdinand and Cold Play are topping the charts, it doesn't mean the whole world is into rock 'n' roll.

"There's still a large minority of people who want to listen to dance music and take class-A drugs.

"The bank holiday weekend is the biggest party time of the summer so it's provided a huge demand for raves.

"Also, with no Glastonbury this year, it means people will be looking for gigs with a more subversive element, which aren't available at other festivals.

Alternative night out

Chris Salmon, another music journalist, thinks raves offer people an alternative to the conventional night out.

"People are bored of clubbing.

"Back in the 1990s there was excitement about super clubs like Cream, but their success became their failure, because they became too mainstream and corporate.

"If you're not into binge drinking or getting into fights and are interested in dance music, then raves are appealing because not many places play that type of music.

Some organisers have tried to pass raves off as a convention, where like-minded businesses get together to network with local promoters and DJs Dave Jenkins News Editor at International DJ Magazine

"It also offers the chance to be part of something different and cutting edge.

"It's exciting getting a text message telling you to go down the next junction of the A40, take a right to find the venue.

"And while festivals are expensive, it's much cheaper to go down to a field with a stereo and a couple of your mates."

New strategies

The increased media interest has made organisers adjust their strategies according to Dave Jenkins, news editor at International DJ Magazine.

"They are now more reluctant to advertise or put on such big events.

"They like the fact that only few people know, as it's an underground community who do not want much publicity.

"Some organisers have tried to pass raves off as a convention, where like-minded businesses get together to network with local promoters and DJs."

Health and safety

The increased popularity of raves has put the police in a difficult situation.

A spokesman for Essex police said: "We are caught between a rock and a hard place in that peace needs to be maintained, the rights of the landowner need to be upheld and the law must be enforced.

"To let illegal raves go ahead would present a significant danger to the public, as there are no provisions for health and safety or public hygiene.

"In the event of serious injury or death, Essex police would be criticised for allowing such events to go ahead."