Authorities have ordered the shutdown of an illegal rave taking place since Saturday morning in the village of Munnekezijl, Léeuwarder Courant reported. All attendees must leave the area by noon Sunday, according to agreements between the event organizers, the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân, police, and the Public Prosecution Service.
When the party first began, there were between 200 and 250 attendees. No new visitors are allowed on the site. Mayor Johannes Kramer confirmed the agreement and emphasized that while the music was “terrible noise,” there had been no reported nuisance.
The police reportedly did not intervene on Saturday due to a shortage of available officers. According to Mayor Kramer, police resources were stretched thin because of preparations for an upcoming NATO summit and a demonstration by Extinction Rebellion at the Afsluitdijk.
The rave is the latest in a string of unauthorized parties in the northern provinces. Earlier this weekend, police shut down an illegal event in Borgsweer, Groningen. Officers cut the sound system around 3 a.m. Saturday, and the area was cleared by 6 a.m.
During the Borgsweer operation, police discovered a newborn seal pup on the party grounds. Emmy Venema of the Seal Center Pieterburen told AD that the animal was likely born nearby and ended up at the party by accident. The pup has been named Rave.