Bureau of Lost Culture The Acid Techno Squat Party
Jul 19, 2021
William Wiles, veteran DJ and former acid-house/squat party organiser, recalls staging clandestine rave events across UK cities. He tells of breaking into buildings, rigging power and sound, and the guerrilla logistics of multi-room Shoreditch parties. Stories include Tyne Bridge takeover, raid aftermaths, secret partyline tactics and the intense communal dancefloor atmosphere.
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The Night They Took The Tyne Bridge
- A London crew brought liquid ketamine up to Newcastle and admitted they'd 'taken' the Tyne Bridge, then DJed inside the bridge's lift machinery.
- Wiles acted as broker, introduced DJs, and the party held ~150–200 people with dramatic industrial views.
Take Buildings Safely By Using Roof Access
- Do secure access via roofs and daytime work when squatting buildings to avoid detection.
- Wiles explains climbers entered via roofs, changed locks from inside and preferred daytime alterations to avoid suspicion.
Secure Power Safely Behind The Meter
- Ensure reliable power by wiring behind the meter or using generators and hire an electrician to avoid electrocution.
- Wiles stresses many parties ran power from behind the meter and required skilled people to link supplies safely.