Additional reporting by Harrison Moore

DJs are earning three times as much as normal performing at illegal raves, with a number of events held across Kent.

Performers have put the financial boon down to the reduced expenses compared with licensed events.

In our county, a new rave seems to occur every weekend - the most recent taking place in Rhodes Minnis near Canterbury and at Barming near Maidstone on Saturday.

An illegal event also took place near Meopham on June 27, with its 200 attendees angering Vigo residents by leaving a massive amount of rubbish at the site.

Riverside Country Park in Gillingham also hosted a rave on June 20.

Members of the DJ industry have put Kent's particular charm among ravers down to its rural appeal.

A Portsmouth-based drum and bass DJ said he had been inundated with calls regarding illegal raves.

He said: "I have done loads of events in South East England at venues in Portsmouth, Brighton and London, and I have had a regular spot playing on different radio shows.

"It wasn't until I started doing 'free parties' [illegal raves] that I actually started to earn money from performing.

"Depending on the organisers you can earn up to £100 a night playing a two to three hour set. It makes a massive difference.

"For years now I have played in front of crowds of up to 500 ravers, and supported huge names in the drum and bass scene but most of the time I don't even get my expenses paid.

"I call them free parties rather than 'illegal raves' especially since the start of lockdown, as the negative stigma around raves and squat parties often contradicts these type of events.'

"The last free party I played during lockdown the organisers provided masks upon entry, and there were bins everywhere for people to dispose of their rubbish.

"Playing at free parties you're always paid well, and I think that's a big part of what makes them attractive events to play at. I feel more respected, and the buzz of earning money whilst doing something you love is brilliant.'

He also called the illegal raves an opportunity for up-and-coming DJs to get their name out into a wider audience.

But Kent Police have had to work extra hard to monitor and halt these so-called 'free parties'.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Faulconbridge of Kent Police said: "Events like this have been illegal for many years but the increased risk of passing Covid-19 from one person to another makes it even more important that people do not hold or attend any mass gatherings of this nature.

"This is why we will continue to take robust action and will not hesitate to bring people before the courts if necessary.

"These events have a detrimental impact on local communities and in particular the most vulnerable members of society who are already being badly affected by the impact of the coronavirus.

"People who organise inappropriate gatherings and help to publicise such events should consider their individual responsibilities for following Government advice and encouraging others to do the same."

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