News / 4/20 Day
Police powerless to shut down all-day party in Castle Park
Despite numerous complaints from local residents and loud music continuing throughout the day and into the night on Sunday, police said their “limited” powers meant there was little they could do to stop thousands of people gathering in Castle Park for 4/20 Day.
The annual celebration began as a protest against cannabis being illegal and has turned into an all-day party, with the distinct smell of the drug permeating the park.
Multiple sound systems were being set up throughout the morning on Easter Day with the music able to be heard as far away as Brandon Hill from as early as 8am until around 11pm.
is needed now More than ever
Castle Park is slowly warming up on 4/20 Day pic.twitter.com/oYaFD5cXgT
— Martin Booth (@beardedjourno) April 20, 2025
Police and ambulance sirens mingled with the music as the day wore on, with police saying there were “a handful of arrests”.
A large amount of rubbish was left after the music finally stopped with some sound system organisers returning to Castle Park on Monday to clear up a lot of the mess.
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In February, a plan for a licensed sound system for 4/20 Day in Castle Park was rejected by councillors.
One resident of Horizon on Broad Weir said it was “unbelievable” how the event was allowed to continue and “just so depressing”.
The resident, who does not want to be named, said he saw drugs being sold openly and litter everywhere, as his flat overlooking Castle Park was “literally vibrating” due to what he called the “totally selfish and irresponsible” volume of music.
In an email to Bristol24/7, he said: “Why was this allowed? Where were the authorities, city leaders? Why wasn’t this anti social?…
“A licenced event would be better i.e. security etc (but) this was anarchy (with) dealers everywhere…
“I am lost as to what is the law anymore. Totally gobsmacked.”
More than a dozen sound systems were spread throughout Castle Park – photo: Martin Booth
In a statement, an Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: “Police attended an unlicensed gathering with multiple sound systems in Castle Park, Bristol, on Sunday 20 April.
“Thousands were there for the unofficial international ‘420 Day’, a public rejection of laws restricting cannabis use.
“In the UK the police response involves engagement, explanation and education around drugs and drugs misuse; with appropriate interventions as and when necessary and proportionate.
“Bristol officers had dozens of calls, mainly about the impact of very loud music on the wider community.
“At 3am on Sunday – before the crowd gathered – officers had seized a sound system from the park. However, powers to deal with the music during the daytime are limited. Officers ensured it was turned off by 11pm.
“Police and ambulance crews attended several incidents as the day wore on, including medical emergencies and assaults, and there were a handful of arrests.”
One of the largest sound systems was located near the ruins of Bristol Castle’s keep – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo & videos: Martin Booth
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