An area under the A12 motorway in Hackney Wick temporarily became the location of one of the area’s illegal raves last month.
Headlined by US hardcore punk bands Dead City and Haywire, the gig had approximately 150 attendees and took place in a well-known spot for similar events.
Nearby residents understand the location, known as the Eastway, is popular for such events – which are held without the organisers having paid a licence fee, and span multiple genres of music including techno, punk, and drum and bass.
Hackney Council currently holds a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which allows it to issue dispersal orders and on-the-spot fines of up to £100 in Hackney Marshes and Wick Woods.
The PSPO first came into effect in 2019 for the Woods and was later extended to include the Marshes in 2022.
The draft legislation highlights several areas of concern, including damage to vegetation, the use of laughing gas, and the playing of loud music.
The council is now applying to extend the PSPO even further, although the boundaries of the order exclude the Eastway, despite encompassing the skate park on the opposite side of the canal.
The extension request will be subject to a public consultation and, if approved, will be in place until 2028.
Hackney Wick, located down the River Lee Navigation canal from Hackney Marshes and Wick Woods, is home to several cafes, bars and clubs popular with young people.
It is known for its alternative spirit, extensive artist community and rave scene.
Many of the attendees reported they value the sense of community which comes with these events, and how they feel it’s important they remain free.
Watch the full video below to find out more about illegal raves in Hackney Wick and the council’s dispersal order.
Feature image: Savannah Coombe
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