An illegal rave at a military training ground in France drew tens of thousands of people
About 20,000 people ignored warnings and gathered for an unauthorized party on the grounds of a military facility where there is a risk of explosive ordnance.
This is reported in an article by Euractiv.
The rave near the city of Bourges in central France began on Friday, and organizers expect up to 30,000 people from France and neighboring countries to arrive at the event’s peak this weekend.
“Despite its illegal nature, the government has mobilized to ensure the safety of this event and limit any disturbances, especially for residents of neighboring areas,” the prefecture said in a statement.
Speaking to AFP, Philippe Le Moan Surzur, the region’s top official, said the area is “extremely dangerous due to unexploded ordnance that may be present there.”
Although modern shells pose no threat, he warned of the risk associated with old unexploded ordnance and urged partygoers to avoid the nearby forests.
“This site has been in use for 150 years, and we know there could potentially be old artillery shells there,” he said, adding that bomb disposal experts regularly find them.
Partygoers view this massive gathering not only as an opportunity to relax but also as a protest against stricter legislation targeting illegal techno gatherings.
“I heard there would be a lot of people, but when you’re actually there, you’re still shocked to see so many people gathered in one place,” a 22-year-old man told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Another partygoer, a 19-year-old man, said that such a turnout is “a strong signal against repression.”
About 600 police officers and 45 firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
“We’re preparing for a large gathering tonight,” said Edith Rakin, mayor of Cornus, a village with a population of 220 located less than two kilometers from the scene.
No serious incidents were reported, and emergency services treated a dozen people for minor injuries.
Earlier, we reported that thousands of people gathered in France for a banned party at a military training ground.
Previously, we wrote: How restaurant service in France differs from that in Ukraine.
France wants to restrict social media for children under 15.
Also in France, a Pablo Picasso painting will be raffled off for a €100 donation — The Guardian.
