Pensioners Queuing For Covid Vaccine Mistaken As Illegal Ravers By Police

News & Features

Police were called to disrupt a reported 'illegal rave' but faced a long queue of pensioners waiting for their Covid-19 vaccine.

A group of people wearing face masks are standing in a line.
A white background with a few lines on it

...only to find 80 and 90 year-olds on wheelchairs, zimmer frames and walking sticks...

Essex police were sent to the Freemasons' Saxon Hall in Southend on Friday 22nd January after a 'tip off' of an illegal rave. Upon arrival police found no signs of a rave or even a sound system. The chairman of Saxon Hall, Dennis Baum, told The Echo that it was "really funny" when the police arrived.


"They had been notified that there was a 'rave' taking place at Saxon Hall," he said, "only to find 80 and 90 year-olds on wheelchairs, zimmer frames and walking sticks, patiently queueing for their vaccinations. Grumpy old men and grumpy old women were in abundance. Nevertheless, as a balancing act many more very appreciative people couldn’t have been more grateful to receive the vaccine and to Saxon Hall and the Freemasons for facilitating it.”

A man with a cane is walking in front of a wall with a drawing of a city on it
A white background with a few lines on it

...we receive reports of people clearly and flagrantly breaking the rules we will respond...

Essex police commented to say "As the good public of Essex know, where we receive reports of people clearly and flagrantly breaking the rules we will respond, but we're also available to help the community when needed. Upon receiving reports of congestion at the vaccination centre, a unit responded to offer help with traffic management, and returned later that day to check that everything was progressing smoothly for those getting their jabs. No-one wants to see all of our communities getting the jab and being protected more than us at Essex Police, particularly our elderly and vulnerable communities and we will do all we can to support that."

The little south logo is on a blue background.

Written by

Editorial Team • 27 January 2021
by Editorial Team 12 June 2025
Lee Drift is a well-known artist across the South West and has gained international attention through his performances worldwide. With this episode he returns to create a summer podcast mix featuring his distinctive tech house sound. Lee discusses his upcoming summer plans, which include the release of new music on WildCard Records and an intention to expand his live DJ sets throughout the region.
by Editorial Team 31 May 2025
We welcome no stranger to the South West house music habitat, James Farley who creates the warm foundations with his latest podcast mix. Here James talks about the highlights of his year such as visiting Amsterdam's ADE festival and his exciting summer playing for DancersHip and Sewann events in Plymouth. This episode is slick as ever and full of fine house music.
by Editorial Team 15 May 2025
Danae B presents a notable house music mix that includes several firm favourite tracks. We catch up where she revealed that she is currently working with a vocalist to enhance the experience of her live DJ sets.
by Editorial Team 7 May 2025
On August 2nd, 2025, the Guillemot venue in Westward Ho! will host a special event featuring prominent figures in the Jungle and Drum and Bass music scenes, Fabio and Grooverider. This evening is being organised by Devon Sessions and will showcase the distinctive sounds that characterised late 80s and early 90s jungle, bringing a nostalgic experience to the North Devon coast.
by Editorial Team 2 May 2025
Lady C is bringing you an incredible house mix that's perfect for soaking up the summer ambience, whether you're chilling outside in the sun or by the sparkling Cornish sea! This slick house mix is infused with polished 80's synth influences and highlights her love for the saxophone within a tune. But that's not all, Lady C is also diving into her own music production and has some tracks in the works!
by Editorial Team 28 April 2025
Sick & Naughty Records, known for organising a variety of successful drum and bass events in the South West, has announced the return of its renowned boat parties in Falmouth on June 21st, 2025. These events have historically attracted a significant following, featuring performances from notable D&B residents such as Devinyl, Leroy, and Hopeso keeping things afloat.
Show More