Interviews
I started having some informal chats with my friends/family and a few people who I do not know through social media about there thoughts about free parties. This then gave me the idea to write the conversations down and do a sort of question and answer type interviews that weren't formal but quite relaxed. I have decided to keep the names confidential, this is because in the time that we are in now, people are facing penalties and fines for attending such events, I don't want to get any one I know in trouble. Here are some of the statements I have had below. (All the pictures in the blog are my own). Over a period of time, the last couple of months, I have collected these statements and I have been adding the responses people have been sending me each day to this blog.
1. How old were you when you first went to an illegal rave?
I think I was fourteen and I am nineteen now and I have been going to them ever since, every opportunity I have to go, I go.
2. Why do you go to free parties?
I think a big thing for me is being able to let go when I am dancing because it is one of the only times that all my worries disappear, because its just me and the rig and I f***ing love it!
Its about the freedom and the community and how we all come together to take a stand against the people that are trying to stop us from having fun....I won't let anyone stop me from having fun!
I love dancing and music, there are so many elements to why I love going to them. The effort that people go through to put them on just to please other people, 'its for love, not for profit'.
3. Have you felt safe at the parties you have attended?
Yes, I have felt way more safe at any free party that I have ever been to rather than any club I have been to in my life. We are all there for the same reasons, to listen to music and have a good time.
I don't know if I have ever been to a club where I have not, at some point in the night felt uncomfortable because of some sleezy, disgusting men, where as for me, at free parties it has happened a lot less and even when it does you know that the other people there will help you. Its not like you're stuck in a corner in a night club feeling helpless.
4. In your opinion, do you think that the media can portray parties in a negative light or perhaps even lie?
Yes absolutely, there have been many occasions after I have gotten home from free parties where I have discovered articles online and the news using photographs of the party site still in a mess, with rubbish everywhere, making us out to be disrespectful and inconsiderate of the land when it is quite the opposite, we leave the site spotless, our moral is always leave no trace, that's our groups for sure.
I remember after a party that I attended, I read in the news that multiple 10 grand fines had been given out, however based on information that I read on Facebook, where a girl had posted about how she knew the organisers of the event and there was in fact no fines handed out at this specific party, this was fake news that was shown by the media, there was one fine given out but that was at a different party in Norwich where a very large group of police where enforced.
Sub Question: So what do you think about the amount of police that appear at these events?
I think that it is unnecessary for the amount of money that is spent on shutting down the parties. Obviously at times it is necessary for police to be at parties, some bad things do happen occasionally.
At a party in Bath that I attended, there were 16 riot vans, umpteen cars and 2 police horses, in my opinion that is absolutely ridiculous. They all arrived after the party had finished which made it more difficult for us all to leave. I think there are far more important issues they could be dealing with.
This interview has been very helpful for me and it has been interesting to hear someone else's opinions and thoughts about the free party scene.
Free Festival was held in Britain, in Windsor Great Park from 1972 until 1974, it was known as ‘The Windsor Free Festival’ and it was organised by Londoners named Sid Rawle and Ubi Dwyer. Windsor was the festival which encouraged Stonehenge to be the next free festival.
The Windsor free festival was/is particularly known for the police brutality, it even promoted an outcry from the public about the tactics that were involved by the police. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Free_Festival
My grandad was at the Windsor Free Festival in 1974. We were sat in his living room and he asked me about what had happened to my leg at the party and I explained to him about the police man that had hit me with his baton and held onto my arm and we got to talking about police brutality and he mentioned this festival.
I asked him if he had ever witnessed police brutality and his response was "yes, I have got the scars to prove it!".
My grandad then went on to explain how he had witnessed people being dragged out of there tents by the police.
He said that "they would stand there with they're shields and bats, banging them like roman warriors".
There was a bit of a commotion and my grandad got pushed to the ground by a police man, he was only 20 at the time, he said he was "knocked down and kicked in the face by a police man, I got a boot to the face!"
I saw my grandads scar by his eye from where the police man had knocked him down and kicked him in the face.
This has also really helped me with my research I had no idea about the Windsor Free Festival until my Grandad told me about it and now I have research to fall back on if I need to. It is interesting to know that I know someone, a family member who was involved in such a big part of history.
I have also had another conversation with a friend and asked them some questions; below are the results from the questions and answers.
1. How old were you when you first went to a free party?
Oh I don't know, I was probably about 3 or something, I was very young anyway, so I have been going to parties for most of my life.
2. Why do you go to free parties?
To see my mates, have a good time, dance to music and to see other people have a good time. As I have been going to parties since I was young, I was fascinated by the sound systems and the effort that goes into planning and organising the party or event, which is why I got my own rig with a mate.
3. Being an organiser, have you had any bad runnings with police?
No not really, they usually tell us to keep it down and turn it off by a certain point and are usually fair. Apart from one occasion when some equipment was confiscated, other than that they have been alright.
4. Are you concerned about the future of your sound system/rig?
One reason why we got the rig in the first place was so that we could hire it out. We had our first proper event booked in April but it was cancelled due to covid and has not been rebooked because of all the lockdowns which means we are not making money, so we are finding it hard to afford It and store it.
I guess in a sense, I am worried and a bit concerned but I hope to keep the dream alive.
Here is another interview I have done with a friend, like the rest I am keeping the person confidential.
1. How old were you when you first attended a free party/rave?
I was 16, I didn't even do drugs or anything then.
2. Why do you go to free parties/raves?
I started going to free parties after club nights in the Phoenix in Holyhead then just loved them how you could just do what you liked and all the different kinds of people.
3. In your opinion, do you think that the media can often portray the raves in a negative light?I've been really depressed about it the last year. It's turned me into a recluse because a lot of my friends I only see at parties. I really don't know what's going to happen and fucking hope it doesn't kill the party scene.
1. In what year did you first attend a free party?
First free party was in 1999.
2. Why did/do you go to free parties?
Went to free parties to get away from the normality/ reality of everyday life. Work, etc, to feel free and to dance, Meet new people and be surrounded by friendly and like minded non judgemental people.
3. Do you think a lot has changed from how the parties were in the past to what they have become now?
Have things changed.... Yes and no,
The police are still present and trying to stop us, the laws have got tougher, but the people, music and vibes remain the same.
Back when I started attending free parties everything seemed more "free".
4. Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world? (Covid-19).
Am I concerned....
Yes I'm concerned about the future of events, but I know in my heart that we will find a way to continue our way of life. Free parties in my opinion are tribal reunions and the more the try and stop them the more we will continue to go bavk underground, which is where we originally came from, Techno has only become mainstream and commercial in the last twenty years because it has become "cool and trendy" but back when I started partying it was very much underground, which made me feel so grateful and privileged to have been introduced to such an amazing scene, its made me who I am today, and I will never forget that.
1.How old were you when you first attended a free party?
I was 17, so 2002.
2. Why did/do you go to free parties?
I liked the vibe, everyone was friendly. The sexual stuff that I experienced in clubs wasn't a part of the scene. No guys coming up behind you and humping. The music was hard enough, I'd been looking for that hardness for a couple of years and never found it anywhere else. They never finish at 1/2/3am it lasts as long as you want it to, which for me was always a couple of days.
3.Do you think a lot has changed from how the free parties were in the past to how they have become now?
Like everything in life things evolve and most older people don't like it. As it’s change. You get a lot of "I remember when it was all just fields'' attitude. The introduction of drum and bass at parties was brilliant, variety is the spice of life. Always great to see younger people or people that wouldn't normally be there at a party. You know their paths are going to change forever.
4. Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
There will always be parties, especially free parties. When all this shit is over the whole planet is going to be partying one way or another, and you know what we will all be more grateful to be a part of it.
How old were you when you first attended a free party?
17 - 1997
Why did/do you go to free parties?
To carry on the party after club nights
Do you think a lot has changed from how the parties were in the past to what they have become now?
Yes, they are much smaller. Obviously the scene is full of people much younger than me now too.
Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
Not really- free parties were made illegal when I was 14 due to the criminal justice bill. The scene has always managed to adapt and carry on. Although the problem lies with less rural places available and places become less secret so there’s more chance of being caught I suppose.
1.How old were you when you first attended a free party?
It was the early 90s so I would have been around 24 /25
2. Why did/do you go to free parties?
I went to free parties because they were parties! I was still getting to know Wales at that point and they were always in out of the way places so it was exciting too
3. Do you think parties have changed from what they were like in the past to how they are now?
I'm not really sure because I haven't been to one in a long time. The music is a bit more techno heavy these days I think, which puts me off a bit.
4. Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
At the moment I'm very concerned about the future of events, but I hold out hope that events of a certain kind will start again. I suspect some of the big corporate festivals might collapse, which could leave space for more free parties to spring up again
5. In your opinion, do you feel that the media can portray free parties in a negative way?
Yes, the media puts whatever spin on stories suits their political leanings so it can definitely be negative to things that aren't 'mainstream'.
1.How old were you when you first attended a free party?
Urm 18 I think in 1995, that was a big free party year! But it may have been earlier then that. In fact almost certainly was. I can't remember, I'll say 16, 1993 actually, I was out and about from age 15 so 16 sounds likely
2. Why did/do you go to free parties?
I went to free parties because all the people I hung out with used to go, and lots of them were involved in organising them. I really liked the music, the dancing and the friendly vibes, and the fact that they were illegal made it even more fun, doing something illicit!
3. Do you think parties have changed from what they were like in the past to how they are now?
What has changed, mmmm, the girls are more glamorous now, we were really dreggy, the drugs have changed a bit. They're a bit more mainstream now, more people from different backgrounds go. The music has got faster and harder. But up in North Wales the parties are surprisingly similar to 25 years ago.
4. Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
Yes I'm concerned about free parties in the future, as laws and controls tighten. But they were always illegal, it was always a risk setting them up, rigs were always being seized, and the criminal justice bill had a bit of an effect but free parties still happen. I think they will always happen. Coronavirus is a game changer at the moment though, because of the social responsibility side of things, although the free party scene is full of conspiracists so they're not bothered. I could go on about this all day and there can be all the laws in the world but under-resourced police will always struggle to police big free parties.
5. In your opinion, do you feel that the media can portray free parties in a negative way?
I don't think the media portray free parties in a good light at all, they are painted as lawless and irresponsible, when in reality they are often more respectful and positive then the legal mainstream club scene. The media demonize free parties massively, and never seem to take into account that they're just about dancing, being joyful and fun. I would say it's important for free party people to be responsible, tidy and respectful to avoid being demonized. But will probably get demonized anyway. And of course there is a dodgy nasty sleazy side of free parties as much as there is in any other part of society
My friend from this statement also did a brief statement about technology - mobile phones - we didn't have them 25 years ago, so photos of the parties are far and few between. It's a mixed blessing I think, Shame not to have lots of photo memories but it was also nice when partying to be in the present moment and not photographing things constantly. Also better for being discreet, there's some pretty dodgy stuff that gets shared these days that could come back to haunt people!
1.How old were you when you first attended a free party?
1997.
2. Why did/do you go to free parties?
I was introduced to them by my husband.. It was such an exciting way to have fun.. Either go to a nightclub, get drunk, have a fight and hate the music and people or drive for 2 hours.. Run around London listening to pirate radio looking for a party.. Then dancing, meeting people no judgement or nasty vibes.. Everyone in the same place for the same reason in the same way.. You had to really look for them so if you were there it was because you were meant to be..
3. Do you think parties have changed from what they were like in the past to how they are now?
Yes.. The vibe is different. First parties I went to were inner city warehouse raves in dangerous areas of London.. I saw stuff that my 18 year old eyes maybe could have done without but I was never in danger..
Now there seem to be a lot of people who are out for something for nothing. The idea that a free party is free and you should make no contributions towards it is quite common. The feel years ago is that we were a community.. It was self policed and people cared about who they were surrounded by and took time to ensure you were OK if needed... That seems to be lost. Free party's are not free for the rigs and organisers.. There are alot of risks involved. Free party comes from the free festival movement that went into decline after the battle of the beanfield stonehenge in 1985.. It made way for a new movement.
4. Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
I think this whole situation will bring on a revolution, a revival of all that we once had. I know that we have come to realise the things that matter in life and a rave is not just a party or night out.. It's a way of life that many of us older ravers have lost.. There will be a splinter, it will go deeper underground and it will continue.. Punks not dead right!
5. In your opinion, do you feel that the media can portray free parties in a negative way?
The media have and always will paint a negative picture in any way they can..
Take Leah Betts.. She was the only death from ecstasy in 1994.. And 200000 people died from alcohol related issues.. And which one do you think received weeks and weeks of media coverage? The lockdown raves that were actually just groups of people gathering were demonised and then people can't see the difference between chancers and actual ravers. We are always on the back foot, raving is illegal so in just doing so we are breaking the rules.. Get into a warehouse or someone else's land and you can add breaking and entering and trespass to the charges.. Any drugs about and there is no 4.. It's not right but it's the way it is.. Then add into the mix the newcomers who don't want to fight or protect the movement and do shit that brings it even more on top... Like littering and not cleaning up the site on leaving.. Causing damage and diatr to neighbours and local people... We always made sure we cleaned up and left it as close to the original as possible.. Sometimes better and sometimes worse... We have had folk make us cups of tea and little old ladies come down to see what it was all about.. Always happy to see the fun and games we're having.. Feels like an age ago.
1.How old were you when you first attended a free party?
I was 16..
Why did/do you go to free parties?
Wanted to take drugs and hated the pub scene.
3. Do you think that parties have changed from the past to what they have become now?
I haven't been to a party since 2003 but from what I've seen apart from people using nitrous now, not much difference
4. Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
There will always be parties.
5. In your opinion do you feel that the media can portray the party scene in a negative way.
The media all treating anything that isn't mainstream as bad.
1.How old were you when you first attended a free party?
I was 15 or 16 and it was 1999.
2.Why did/do you go to free parties?
Initially it was boredom, just for something exciting to do, endless fun with mates outside with music on. We wanted to be as far away from ‘normal’ society as possible. No agro, no ego, just good music and good mates.
As I got older I realised that as well as the fun element to it we were all trying to escape something; families, jobs or even just our own headspace. It was the ultimate escapism.
I can remember when we all (our group) went through a mega tripping stage and I think I experienced some of the most clarity and some of the happiest moments of my life then. I used to think that if only all World leaders could take one trip, and see the World through tripping eyes, it would make them much better leaders hahahaha.
3.Do you think a lot has changed from how the parties were in the past to what they have become now?
I haven’t been to a party in a long time so can’t comment on current day. But in the early days of my first few parties, I was always taught to bring bin bags, and to take at least one bag away with you. Also, to bring extra water / food etc so you could look after others. Not sure if it is still like that or not.
Also actually, the documentation of it all, people posting pics and live videos online, and even sharing / boasting about the location online. It used to be a lot more underground, if you knew you knew and that was it, no shouting out about it and no telling randoms!
4.Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
Relating this to COVID yes, as it stands it is hard to see how we will ever be able to relax and go back to some level of normality.
Also it seems that the police are being given more and more power to control so the free parties will face even more resistance than before.
5. In your opinion do you think that the media can portray the parties in a negative way ?
The media has always portrayed the parties in a negative light, the only time you will ever see something positive written is when it is featured in a magazine and an independent news source.
The noise and the drug taking is all that is ever written about, and occasionally the little left behind also.
At my 21st birthday party a girl fell down a small cliff edge and needed airlifted to hospital, the police and paramedics were unwilling to risk going down to where she had fallen so they waited for the rescue helicopter to arrive. But our crew got to work straight away, the music was turned off and some of the party crew got together and go down to her safely, wrapped her in blankets and stayed with her until the helicopter crew were able to take her away.
The newspaper reported something along the lines of: Heartless party goers continued to party throughout while rescue workers worked tirelessly to save a poor girl that had fallen off a cliff.
1.How old were you when you first attended a free party?
First free party 15
2. Why did/do you go to free parties?
My friends introduced me to free parties and I loved the music, atmosphere and feeling of freedom and beautiful locations. It's much nicer than being a club.
3. Do you feel that a lot has changed from parties in the past to how they are now?
The parties I go to now are a lot smaller but still the great atmosphere and music. They don't seem to happen as often, but maybe I'm out of the loop!
4. Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances?
Free parties have been affected by covid situations, it seems like police have become very heavy handed and apart from the violence against party goers the penalties for organisers are really high as well. There's less going on but I hope the scene will make a recovery as it's really important way for many people to connect, socialise and unwind, I'm sure we'll find a way
5. In your opinion do you think that the media can portray the free party scene in a negative light?
Yes the media obviously portrays things negatively - it's more sensational and fits with people's expectations that we're all criminals off our heads on drugs, trespassing, disturbing the peace, destroying beautiful places and leaving rubbish etc everywhere, creates a better story - people love having someone to hate and complain about.
1.How old were you when you first attended a free party?
Free festival, 17.1987
2. Why did/do you go to free parties?
Free parties came to me because of my lifestyle. We already had free festivals the raves just found a comfortable niche in that environment..was it abused? Looking back, yes. Why would I go to what later became free parties in warehouses and fields for up to 2weeks at a time? the music the freedom.
3.Do you think a lot has changed from how the parties were in the past to what they have become now?
The atmosphere, the people, the dogs, the madness...everything's changed now massively.
4.Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
Of course I'm concerned about those in control trying to kill off gatherings of people from all walks of life to dance and socialise and enjoy life.
5. In your opinion, do you feel that the media can portray the free party scene in a negative way?
The general media are all controlled by the same machine; they never report on positive aspects of the party. If 5000 people raved for a week without problem you probably wouldn't hear about it.
1. How old were you when you first attended a free party?
I was 16 so it was around 1995/96
2. Why did/do you go to free parties?
It’s a mix of things really: The music, the people, the atmosphere, being able to just dance all night with no cares or worries (or give a shit what u look like), the drugs,.... being with your friends....moidering, meeting & dancing with strangers who are on the same buzz as you..... Just the excitement & buzz of getting to the party was an experience all on its own, especially before social media & mobile phones.. God knows how we managed to find the parties half the time but we always did, every weekend .
3.Do you think a lot has changed from how the parties were in the past to what they have become now?
I suppose everything evolves like music, DJ’s etc but I think the atmosphere is the same, the buzz of getting ready and finding out where it is .... It’s a lot easier now to find the location than it was back when I first started going of course cos of mobile phones and social media, They’re not as regular as I remember either I don’t think, Like every weekend there was a party, without fail but I don’t think that’s the same anymore.... Of course laws play a part as new legislations can make it harder to get away with & DJs are a lot more weary about losing they’re equipment
4.Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
I’m not concerned about the future of free parties as I think there’s enough love and determination for them that they’ll carry regardless ( once ‘normality’ resumes)
5. In your opinion, do you feel that the media can portray the free party scene in a negative way?
Yeh I think the media can definitely portray parties in a negative way, not always but mostly they do yes....I suppose it’s the fear of the unknown & misconceptions that paint a negative picture through the media and the public. I mean Most don’t stick around to document and report on the clean up after a party!....Just the loud music and mess and how many attendees there were etc etc....
1.How old were you when you first attended a free party,?
2015 anti Tory party in Piccadilly gardens Manchester
2.Why did/do you go to free parties?
Friend was DJing, and wanted to support causes and sound systems and have a good time fockin havin it!
3.Do you think a lot has changed from how the parties were in the past to what they have become now?
Well from the abundance of them to almost none, I started at a time when police began to clamp down. Avoided Manchester ones generally as they're violent and messy, no one cleans up.
4.Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
Yes. People are waking up but the control from the other side is getting stronger and bolder too. Spanish Nye resistance party led to armed police encircling the rig.
Social distancing is only a continuation from no social gatherings of more than 12 people years back to stop rallying n protestors... It's only a start. We must be vigilant and fight. Soon the ethos of freeparties will get lost and be only stories, like some I have heard from good old North Wales days. People will forget to pick up rubbish, stay off Facebook for location sharing, forget certain essential things that make it much stronger for the party to thrive.
5.In your opinion do you think that the media can portray the parties in a negative way?
Yes. But it's always been like this in every country , whatever subgenre, whatever era. We have anti-media press and truth speakers to go against mass media. This is where user generated content, blogging, zine n column writing infiltration is essential to keep our voices heard
1. How old were you when you first attended a free party?
23 1996
2. Why did/do you go to free parties?
Because I could hear the music from my house and just wanted to see and discover what it was all about.
3. Do you think a lot has changed from how the parties were in the past to what they have become now?
Yes and the criminalisation and rig confiscation, and that work would not consent to attending an illegal gathering ( they couldn’t really stop me ) and the drug driving law also.
4. Are you concerned about the future of events due to the current circumstances going on in the world?
I am very concerned about the party scene and the whole festival situation at the moment due to this pandemic .
5. In your opinion do you think that the media can portray the parties in a negative way ?
I definitely think the media portrays the party’s end in a bad way and fail to recognise what a culture is in the sense of belonging , family and simply having fun and expressing yourself through music without confines.
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