Several thousand attendees gathered for the annual Eggtek event, a hallmark of the free party scene, held over the Easter bank holiday weekend at a covert location on Ministry of Defence land in Lulworth, Dorset.
With sunny weather, revelers arrived at the rural venue, eager to enjoy a weekend filled with techno music from various stages and sound systems. While attendees were aware that police intervention was likely, as raves are deemed unlawful under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act—which prohibits gatherings of over 20 individuals in open areas where music predominantly features repetitive beats—they remained hopeful for a few days of celebration before any potential disruption.
The narratives surrounding the event’s conclusion diverge sharply between law enforcement and partygoers.
According to police reports, attendees hurled plastic bottles and beverage cans at officers, prompting a response they deemed appropriate, involving batons, riot shields, dogs, and pepper spray. Conversely, partygoers expressed their astonishment at the severity of the police’s actions.
Subsequent footage has surfaced depicting individuals being dragged on the ground, injured as a result of police engagement. One week post-event, conflicting accounts continue to emerge. One man featured in the footage reportedly suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured nose, wrist, and toe, alongside head lacerations. Another woman was seen with a bleeding head injury, while a clip showed a man in pain, being restrained by riot police with his arms twisted behind him.
A member of one of the sound-system crews commented, “Our group was assaulted by police with batons while simply standing still. Many assume we are uneducated, unemployed troublemakers, but that is far from the truth. Attendees come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.”
He acknowledged that while some individuals consumed alcohol and drugs, many were “completely sober,” and the atmosphere initially was very tranquil.
He elaborated, stating, “Significant effort and careful planning went into this event. We have previously attempted to secure legal permits for our parties, but often police or local councils withdraw at the last moment, leaving us with substantial financial losses. Consequently, we now organize free events ourselves.”
He continued, “When we distribute location details, we encourage attendees to bring their own food and water, trash bags for litter, and shovels for waste disposal, ensuring we leave the site in good condition. We urge ravers to respect the area.”
Another attendee remarked that the ambiance was initially “wonderful.” “We passed numerous officers without any issues. The crowd was supportive of one another, and the atmosphere was relaxed until the riot squad was deployed,” he recounted.
One image captured prior to the arrival of riot officers displayed a police vehicle stuck in a ditch, with ravers assisting in its extraction.
The situation appeared to escalate from a light-hearted interaction between police and attendees to one marked by violence. Dorset police attribute the turmoil to the actions of the attendees, claiming they greeted officers with aggression and projectiles.
Authorities have acknowledged the receipt of complaints regarding the use of force, which are currently under review.
A Dorset police spokesperson stated, “While managing the incident involving a large crowd, our officers faced attacks from projectiles and a violent reception. We cannot tolerate violence against our communities or officers. This event significantly disrupted local neighborhoods, and our response aimed to ensure a safe resolution.”
They added, “The force is reviewing complaints related to the alleged use of force by officers during the incident, which will be investigated according to standard procedures.”
One attendee expressed concern, stating, “Many individuals who came for a peaceful gathering left injured and traumatized. It is crucial that this situation is thoroughly investigated rather than overlooked.”
