POLICE moved on more than 100 people who had gathered for a New Year’s rave at Purdown.
It was one of three held across the Bristol area from New Year’s Eve into the following morning.
There were three arrests and police said several people who went to the events needed medical treatment, either after being injured or for suspected drug-related illnesses.
A force spokesperson said the “unauthorised music event” at Purdown, next to Stoke Park, was reported at around 2.25am on New Year’s Day, adding: “At least 100 people were estimated to be in attendance.
“Positive engagement with those believed to be involved in organising the event led to the music being turned off and the scene vacated between 4.30-5am.”
Two other events, in Aztec West and in Feeder Road, St Philip’s, were also reported on the same night.
Superintendent George Headley said: “Additional resources were put in place to enable us to respond swiftly to any unlicensed music events and we’re thankful to those who called us to make us aware of what was happening.
“We know some people accuse of us of trying to stop people from celebrating New Year’s Eve, but that is absolutely not the case.
“We want people to have a good time; what we don’t want is people’s safety being put at risk.
“Last night several people who attended these events at unsuitable and potentially dangerous locations ending up requiring medical treatment, either for injuries they sustained or in some cases suspected drug-related illnesses.
“Throwing items at police officers and driving while under the influence of drugs is also totally unacceptable, and something the public would expect us to take a strong stance against.
“Officers’ hard work throughout the night means those suspected of committing crimes find themselves starting 2026 by waking up to the very real and sobering prospect of being investigated and prosecuted.”
At the Aztec West event, attended by 4-500 people, one person was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving, drug possession and supply, and two vehicles containing sound equipment were seized.
At the St Philip’s event, attended by around 400 people, police closed Feeder Road to prevent more people getting in and said “items were thrown at them and their vehicles on surrounding streets” – two people were arrested after being tracked by a drone.
Picture: Drone footage shows police vehicles and people outside the Feeder Road rave