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Thursday, Aug 20, 2026

Illegal Halloween rave in abandoned building attended by more than 300 people

Illegal Halloween rave in abandoned building attended by more than 300 people

Hundreds of revellers were pictured filling an abandoned building to the brim for a ‘f**k lockdown’ party that was eventually broken up by police.

It is understood investigators are still looking for the organiser of the rave, held in Kelham Island, Sheffield, on Halloween.

Speaking anonymously to The Tab on the night of the event, he said: ‘I could get a £10,000 fine but it’s worth it. It’s a lot of money and there’s a good chance that I wouldn’t get it back, but I’m here to put a party on for people.’

When asked if he felt guilty that the event of more than 300 ravers could held spread the virus to vulnerable people, the organiser said: ‘Not really, I believe it’s just up to the individual. People wouldn’t be attending these raves if they were scared of Covid.’

Using the pseudonym Gabriel Rupertson, he added: ‘People really turned out; they’re telling me it’s the wickedest party they’ve been to. I reckon a lot of people will be critical. To them people I say, suck your mum.’

The location of the ‘Statement: F**k Lockdown’ rave was shared at the last minute on a party line.


The organiser accepted he could get a £10,000 but said it was ‘worth it’


More than 300 revellers crowded in to the abandoned building with no regard for social distancing


A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of obstructing an officer


Ravers made a makeshift barricade using radiators to keep police out



As the reporter from the Tab arrived at the abandoned building, one raver was seen slumped beside a puddle of his own vomit while a couple stood beside him groping each other.

Police arrived at around 1.30am and were temporarily kept at bay by a makeshift barrier made of several radiators.

Officers eventually barged their way in causing the majority of partygoers to flee the scene.

Most people managed to get away from police, but a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer.


Sheffield is currently under tier three lockdown restrictions


The party’s organiser said people wouldn’t be attending ‘if they were scared of Covid


Police eventually managed to barge their way in, causing revellers to flee


The party was one of several broken up by police in Sheffield over the Halloween weekend


At least one riot van and two police cars were spotted at the scene. Officers seized a sound system worth thousands of pounds.

The party was one of several illegal parties held over the Halloween weekend in Sheffield, with police issuing a number of £10,000 fines.

The city is under tier three local restrictions until England’s national lockdown comes into force tomorrow.

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