Just wondering, at what point people would consider something a nuisance (or think that the council would consider something a nuisance)?

My neighbours are having a BBQ, they do most weekends in the summer.  This involves bringing the essence of Ibiza to Scunthorpe in the form of very loud, thumpy dance music which can go on for hours.  Right now, they seem to be playing a CD with a mix of normal music and this Ibiza rubbish - so when I think it's stopped, the bass sets in again.

Now, I don't mind the odd bit of bass or indeed, the odd bit of dance music - sometimes.  But not for hours.  And not so loud that, like right now, I can make out the notes and feel the bass when sat in my lounge, with all doors and windows shut (all double glazed), at the opposite end of the house from them AND they are on the detached side - so I'm hearing/feeling this from some 30ft-40ft away from the source, through the walls.

But it's not quite 6pm on a saturday - so not outside the typical allowed hours for noise (something like 7am-11pm I think?  Maybe narrower timeframe).  But it is driving me nuts.  I won't go and speak to them now because I'm liable to lose my temper, which won't help me if I need to take this to the council (if indeed they would listen), but I will speak to them later about it.

My sanity aside, it was so loud last time that it spooked Phoebe and went on to her phobia list - fortunately she's coping today because I've just started her on melatonin for her noise issues, but she's still not 100% happy.

I would consider this a serious nuisance, if its once in a blue moon for a birthday or some other family do then OK .....but honestly how selfish can people be?   Not everyone wants to hear loud thumping music every weekend....and why should you ? People should have respect for their neighbours and consideration for their feelings. Im pretty sure there are regulations on the decibels as well as the time limits
I would speak to them first and explain how its affecting your precious peace and quiet.....maybe they will agree to tone it down

I will do.  At the very least, if they moved the stereo it would probably help - they've got it plugged into the shed, which is part of the lean-to that runs along the side of these houses so with that door open, the music is blasting straight at my house.

On the Phoebe-front, I am pleased to say that she has been much better than last time she heard thumpy music (which involved lots of barking and freaking out and Xanax), and she's even been able to enjoy a minute's chuckit in the garden before she had to go back in again.  That's all the melatonin, it's the first thing that's helped her in her whole life that I can give her all the time so I'm very pleased :-)

Every council should have a noise abatement officer. I watched a programme several months ago on it. They will come out and monitor the sound and if necessary will ask the culprit to turn it down. They do have the legal right to remove the offending noise maker (ie CD player, tv, etc) and will not say where the complaint came from.

You are entitled to peace and quiet, just as much as they are allowed to party, but within reason.