SchNews on Bristol Party Progress

People are considering legal action against Avon and Somerset Constabulary after 50 officers in full riot gear broke up a free dance party at Cumberland Basin, near Bristol a couple of weekends back, seriously injuring at least nine people. Cops made no attempt to negotiate with party-goers, telling them “If you’re down there, you’re going to get hurt.” The police had even thoughtfully brought an ambulance with them just in case they kicked anyone’s head in – which they did. Police blamed party-goers for the injuries commenting “It was clear a rave at this location would put a risk of harm to those attending.” The ‘location’ was under a motorway flyover, far away from residential housing, which had been used as a party site on numerous occasions before. Avon and Somerset Police seriously got their fingers burnt over the massive Steart beach party over the Jubilee weekend (SchNEWS 363) and local media have been busy whipping up a frenzy as “hooligan ravers” descend on the countryside to have fun. One party organiser told SchNEWS “We reckon the cops decided it was payback time.”

The Free Party Defence Collective is now appealing for witnesses to

mount legal action 07810 601703 www.guilfin.net

· Four Brighton based sound systems have finally been charged after having rigs seized from a Shoreham warehouse during Easter bank holiday. Despite never getting to turn on sound systems, attract a crowd or actually disturb anyone other than local plod, party organisers have been charged with ‘Conspiracy to cause public nuisance’ – and all for not quite getting to throw a free party.

· Thanks to the cops and the local council this year’s Welsh Green Gathering was cancelled