The whole place was boarded-up and fenced in ; there was security and police everywhere, and the police even had a watchtower outside the fence looking at the crowds. You had to go through some fences to get in, where bags were being searched and alcohol confiscated.

It felt like a prison, a fascist amusement zone where the police decides exactly where and on what terms people are allowed to have fun.

Free as in money it was, but it certainly wasn't free as in Freedom. I'd much rather pay an entrance fee, and not be managed by the police/security (such as benefit gigs in social centres for instance).

xxx