Despite new rules coming into force on Friday, thousands of people travelled across the UK to attend one event in the rural village of Banwen, South Wales, where police were at the scene.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, people holding illegal gatherings could be fined up to £10,000.

Resident Sheryl Lee Powell called the police after seeing more than 50 cars going up and down her street.

She told Sky News: “I phoned the police. She said, ‘How many cars are there?’, I said, ’50 if not more’.

“She said, ‘Don’t lie’, and I said, ‘I’m not lying. 50 if not more going up and down the street.

“Of course they couldn’t go up the top, they were turning around and back down. Up down, up down, all night.”

Chief Superintendent Simon Belcher of South Wales Police condemned those who attended the illegal rave.

He said: “This type of illegal gathering is totally unacceptable and we are aware of the concerns it is causing for the local community.

“We have a number of resources in attendance including the police helicopter and raids policing officers.

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“It has been estimated there are up to 3,000 people at the gathering who have apparently travelled from across the UK and we are looking at all pieces of legislation as to what action can be undertaken safely.”

This illegal rave in Wales comes just days after Norfolk Police were forced to shut down a gathering of more than 500 people and 100 vehicles in Thetford Forest.

Paramedics were reportedly called to the event after a man became unwell.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davison said: “Coronavirus is still with us and continues to be a real threat so it’s extremely disappointing to see these types of events taking place when the rest of our communities are doing everything they can to help stop the spread of the virus.

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“We will work to identify organisers, seize equipment, deal with any criminal offences and impose penalties where evidence is available.”

In West Yorkshire, eight people were fined £10,000 each after several parties were held across Headingley and Burley over the weekend.

West Yorkshire Police said one man was charged with causing a public nuisance after officers broke up a street party.

They also seized around £20,000 of music equipment from a house in Leeds.

Superintendent Chris Bowen said: “Unlicensed music events and large gatherings of people only serve to spread this deadly virus, and we will take action against those who organise and attend them.”

New rules were introduced in England on Friday and could see people being fined up to £10,000 if they breach the rules.

For those not wearing face masks or attending illegal gatherings could be fined £100.

Repeat offenders could see their fine increase to £3,200.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the rules targeting illegal raves are in response to “the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions”.