The rave began around 11:45 PM on Saturday, April 4, 2026, near East Lulworth in Dorset, with approximately 100 cars parked at the location. The event was held on Ministry of Defence land, drawing a large crowd to the unauthorized gathering. Dorset Police closed roads to the area in an effort to contain the event, which was ultimately shut down on Sunday evening.
Officers arrested 11 people at the rave on suspicion of offenses including violent disorder, possessing a Class A drug, assaulting an emergency worker, and driving offences. All arrested individuals have since been released, either on police bail or under investigation. Violence flared during the police intervention, with officers facing a hostile reception that included being attacked with missiles.
Despite this, Dorset Police reported that no one was seriously injured at the rave. However, videos and images posted online showed a man with his face covered in blood and a woman with a bloodied head. Footage also captured at least one police officer striking repeated baton blows in a crowd.
The rave caused significant disruption to local communities, with residents reporting difficulty sleeping due to noise that could be heard five miles away. Similar illegal raves have occurred in the area in previous years, including on the Easter weekend of 2022. Dorset Police stated they took appropriate and proportionate action to bring the event to a safe conclusion.
The rave occurred on Ministry of Defence land, with roads blocked by police. Unknowns persist regarding the specifics of the drug possession case, including what Class A drug was allegedly possessed by the arrested man from Bedfordshire. The estimated cost of the police operation and cleanup for this event also remains undetermined.