A MINI psychedelic festival in a park was broken up before it could begin after swift work by council officials.
Harrow Council’s out-of-hours environmental health team swung into action after a neighbour living near Stanmore Common reported, at 10pm on Saturday, seeing a large group of people descending on the open space with speakers, tents and music equipment.
It was for an event called Tribadelia Forest Gathering, promoted by a collective of DJs, musicians and painters and other self-proclaimed ‘psychedelic people’ called Other Devices and promising ultraviolet decor, trance music and camping.
However, the council contacted local police officers to disconnect the speakers and electricity generators and clear a crowd of about 80.
Simon Braidman, the common’s Harrow Nature Conservation Forum warden, ran into the revellers while leading a group of Harrow Woodcraft Folk children and parents through the park at around 1pm.
He said: “They gave me a flyer that said they were ‘a small group of artistic people who love to create and dance’ and that they ‘respect and love nature’. They were young people in their 20s. They were pretty harmless. They were very friendly and there was no hostility.
“I want people to enjoy the site but not to abuse the site and they told me they would be gone by 3pm.”
The flyer listed a programme of activities such as reiki healing, meditation and dance and a specialist chai food and drink stall.
The Metropolitan Police helicopter was called out later that same night, at 1.10am on Sunday, and was ‘searching for a large group involved in anti social behaviour’, who were dispersed by Harrow officers.
It was dispatched again at 3am after a partygoer called up saying they were lost and disorientated in the pitch black of the park. He was located and directed to a bus stop.
Councillor Phillip O’Dell (Labour), portfolio holder for the environment and community safety, said: “As many as 80 people had already gathered with up to 300 people expected, according to some reports.
“This is an excellent example of how closely our officers work with members of the public who have concerns about noise pollution and it also shows how efficiently the council and police work together to ensure the safety of our residents.”
