Exodus Collective
The Luton-based Exodus Collective started in 1992 as a free party sound system, part of the growing DIY culture which arose in response to unemployment, poverty and frustration amongst young people. They organised free parties and raves, squatted and renovated derelict homes, set up a community farm and other social projects, all in the face of police repression and legal/bureaucratic obstacles.
Squall closely followed their progress for over a decade...
Introducing Exodus
- The Battles, The Raves, The Regeneration...
A six-part in-depth look at the Exodus Collective, Luton, which first appeared in Squall 8, Autumn 1994. Articles by Jim Carey
The Jewel In The Mud Award
- This issue's selected media gem, featuring positive commentary from one Guardian journalist about the Exodus Collective - Squall 6, Spring 1994
The Pharaoh's Men Drowning Again
Tthe latest underhand political manoeuvring designed to halt Exodus and smother the public enquiry - Squall 9, Jan/Feb 1995
Exodus - Keep up the Momentum
New political twists, turns and dances with the Exodus Collective - Squall 10, Summer 1995
Actors Of Parliament
Starring Sir Graham Bright MP and Exodus - Squall 10, Summer 1995
To Rave Or To Riot?
How the Luton riots were quelled by dance - Jim Carey finds a different way of expressing dissent with the Exodus Collective - Squall 11, Autumn 1995
To Rave Or Riot - Letter to Squall - Emile Henry writes a critical response to this article, and Jim Carey replies - Squall 12, Spring 1996
In the following issue, The Exodus Collective themselves write a letter giving their own responses to this - Squall 13, Summer 1996
The Lutonites and the Planners of Babylon
The Exodus Collective’s latest proposals have pitched them against those who hold the local planning reigns - exposures follow - Squall 11, Autumn 1995
The Lutonites and the Plotters of Babylon
The latest state of play in the Exodus Collective’s long and eventful march towards justice - Squall 11, Autumn 1995
Exodus Collective Under Attack (Again!)
The escalation in the freedom battle of Bedfordshire has continued with yet more dramatic developments - Squal 12, Spring 1996
Exodus Under Fire
Multiple arson attacks on Exodus and police inaction to find cuprits - Squall 13 - Summer 1996
Exodus Dread Cleared Of All Charges - core member of Exodus cleared of all charges court following bogus murder charge - Squall 14, Autumn 1996
Exodus In Zurich
Exodus invited to one-week cultural event - Squall 14, Autumn 1996.
Exodus Defend Community Farm
Police raid Long Meadow Community Farm while Exodus are in Zurich - Squall 14, Autumn 1996
Building Bridges
A report written by a Church of England lay minister is positively candid in its appraisal of the Exodus Collective - Squall 15, Summer 1997
Wh’appen With The Exodus Collective?
Squall has the update from the massive but passive Luton Collective who’s battles to offer alternatives to ‘Misspent Youth’ rage on - Squall 15, Summer 1997
Exodus Enquiry Blocked
Public enquiry into police malevolence against Exodus blocked - Squall 16, Summer 1998
Social Exclusion Unit Visit Exodus
Govt unit examines initiatives for unemployed youth by Exodus - Squall 16, Summer 1998
Lodging Complaints
Peter Panatone investigates the Exodus Collective's run-in with the Freemasons of Bedfordshire - Squall 16, Summer 1998
Beds. Police On The Rocks
Exodus Mum wins back licence - 1999
Amplification & Confrontation
Massive police operation against Exodus sound system - 1999
Exodus In Talks With Bedfordshire Landowner
Lord Howland, son of aristocrat landowner the Marquess of Tavistock, negotiates with Exodus about future events on their vast Bedfordshire estate - Squall Download 1, Oct/Nov-1999
Half Steppers Sayeed Step With Doorstep
Exodus Collective defeat last minute attempt to evict farm - Squall Download 2, Dec-1999/Jan-2000
Brotherhood With Alms Bashed By Brothers With Psalms
Bedfordshire Freemasons publicly embarrassed by the Exodus Collective - 07-Mar-2000
Expensive Briefs Are Pants! Says Exodus
Exodus Collective successfully defend themselves against attempts by council to extract money from them following millenium party - 06-Apr-2000
A New Deal Down On The Farm?
A multi-ethnic housing estate, on which many of Exodus Collective of Luton were born and live, is coming together in a New Deal for Communities bid - Spring-2000
Praise From The Lord!
Lord Andrew Howland, the Marquess of Tavistock's son and estate manager, decided to enter into negotiations with Exodus - May-2000
Legal High Boosts Exodus Spirit
Exodus Collective successfully negotiate with police and landowner to hold legal raves - 15-Jun-2000
Legal But Late
Exodus Collective's 'Free The Spirit Festival' has date moved to October - 14-Aug-2000
From The Ashes..... The Spirit Of Free Festivals Arises
Free The Spirit Festival by Exodus Collective reignites the free festival spirit - Sept-2000
Legal And Great
Success for Exodus Collective as they hold their first legal outdoor rave - 07-Mar-2002
Resident Revolution
Radical inner-city regeneration in Luton - 23-Apr-2002
What Ever Happened To The Exodus Collective? Part One
Interview with former spokesman Glenn Jenkins - 11-Feb-2003
External Link
Exodus: Parties With A Purpose -
Coverage of Exodus Collective by Traveller/Direct-Action stalwart and photographer Tash.
Exodus: Movement Of Jah People
An introduction to the Exodus Collective
Directed by Mark Saunders, produced by Spectacle Productions, originally broadcast on Channel Four in 1995. Now available online as an extended 46 minute version.
“This remarkable film is an antidote to the dereliction and paranoia on Britain's streets. Squatting and renovating decayed buildings, Exodus pursue a mutually agreed quest to regenerate their disaffected community. Their regular raves bring ex-army, ex-estate agents, ex-shop assistants and ex-criminals together as Exodus, a dance with new direction. For anyone interested in a street relevant discussion on drugs, criminality, spirituality and community, this film is a must see.” - Squall, 1995.
(As of 2024) This film is viewable online for a small fee on vimeo - click here