Fascinating pics reveal rave revolution that swept Britain in the 80s and 90s The Sun

IN the late 1980s, Britain's youth culture saw the biggest revolution since the 1960s.

Rave culture swept the nation as acid house music became the soundtrack of all-night parties held in huge, often makeshift venues.

The scene imported themes from fledgling Ibiza and coincided with a flood of ecstasy pills into Britain.

A new exhibition - Sweet Harmony: Rave at the Saatchi Gallery in London - recaptures the new world which emerged from the underground scene with stunning pictures from some of the artists who shaped it.

Abandoned warehouses, aircraft hangars and even a disused platform at Paddington station in London became celebratory scenes packed with baggy-clothed ravers.

But the parties quickly attracted the attention of police, who established a Pay Party Unit to crack down on the illegal gatherings.

Laws were passed increasing sentences for hosting parties as panic grew over the explosion of ecstasy on Britain's streets.

The 1994 Criminal Justice Act gave police the power to shut down events “characterised by the emission of a succession of repetitive beats”, which was seen directly targeting the rave scene.

Despite the illegal parties being crushed, acid house continued its rise into the mainstream.

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The likes of Paul Oakenfold and Danny Rampling became household names and dance music found commercial success through club nights such as Ministry of Sound.

The influence of acid house has lived on through dance music, UK garage and grime ever since and remains one of British youth culture's most important moments.

• Sweet Harmony: Rave is at Saatchi Gallery in London until September 14

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