Month: January 2022

"We are Mothers, We are Sisters, we are daughters and we are dying"
Feminism, news, Vigil

Vigil for Ashling Murphy Calls Out Male Aggression

An all too familiar sight in Bristol these days. A small huddle of women and men on College Green holding candles and placards. Gathered in remembrance of another woman killed by male violence. Yesterday evening’s (Friday, January 28) vigil was held for Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old Irish school teacher murdered by a man whilst running. The vigil was organised by Bristol Feminist Collective, and at … Continue reading Vigil for Ashling Murphy Calls Out Male Aggression

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A group of protesters stand in the road. Three of them hold a banner saying "Stop Burning Our Future"
Civil Disobedience, Disruption, news, Top Story

Youth Climate Swarm Break Onto Bristol’s Protest Scene

‘Hello. We are sorry for the inconvenience today. We will only take up six minutes of your time.’ These were the words, spoken through a megaphone, with which Youth Climate Swarm (YCS) announced their entry onto Bristol’s protest scene.  Having emerged in London in December, it was only a matter of time until the movement spread to Bristol, and on Prince Street Bridge at 12.30pm … Continue reading Youth Climate Swarm Break Onto Bristol’s Protest Scene

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Demonstration, Disruption, March, news, Top Story

Bristol Rallies for “Last Legal Protest”

Billed as the last legal protest, hundreds turned out for Bristol’s 15th Kill The Bill demo and march.  The protest today (Saturday, January 15) saw around 600 Bristolians protest alongside 24 other towns and cities including Bath, Edinburgh, London and Manchester.  The demo began at 1pm on College Green with speeches from representatives of Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate, Bristol Defendant Solidarity, Bristol Peace Vigil … Continue reading Bristol Rallies for “Last Legal Protest”

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Artistic, Clowning, Feature, Interviews and Analysis, Theatre, Training/Learning

Make ‘Em Laugh: Political Theatre and Comedy as Activism with Bim Mason

In the last three years his Bigheads have become a popular sight at protests up and down the country. Now their creator Bim Mason is training others in his unique brand of performance activism.   Bim’s history of art, performance and directing stretches back over five decades, from joining circus group Kaboodle in 1978, to co-founding Bristol’s own circus school Circomedia in 1994, to publishing his … Continue reading Make ‘Em Laugh: Political Theatre and Comedy as Activism with Bim Mason

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thirteen people stand outside a building. They are wearing red tabards and some carry red flags.
Community, Disruption, news, Top Story

ACORN Confront Landlord Over “Cruel” Living Conditions

UPDATE 19/01/22: it is understood that Fadumo’s landlord has now undertaken all the necessary repairs to the house and has furthermore agreed to give Fadumo £1250 in compensation. ACORN Bristol have rallied in support of one of their members who was left without heating and hot water by her landlord over Christmas.  Fadumo, who lives in St Werburghs with her seven children and mother, said … Continue reading ACORN Confront Landlord Over “Cruel” Living Conditions

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Six young people carry a banner at a climate march.
Civil Disobedience, Disruption, Feature, news, Top Story

Youth Swarm to Disrupt Bristol at Weekend

On Saturday (January 15), protest group Youth Climate Swarm will take action on the streets of Bristol.  Having first emerged in London in December, Youth Climate Swarm activists use the tactic of swarming, or repeatedly blocking roads for short periods of time, to cause disruption and publicise their demands.  In Bristol, the activists, all young people under the age of 30, hope to pressure national … Continue reading Youth Swarm to Disrupt Bristol at Weekend

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Three people hold a banner saying "#We Toppled Colston"
Feature, Interviews and Analysis, Training/Learning

Colston 4 Trial: How They Won It

The trial saw plenty of complex legal arguments, but ultimately it came down to a question of doing the right thing. With the verdict in the Colston 4 trial announced, many, not least the right-wing media and Twitterati, are asking how the defendants managed to win what seemed like a clear-cut case against them.  With video evidence of them committing the charges against them, Rhian … Continue reading Colston 4 Trial: How They Won It

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Four people hold their arms up in celebration outside a courthouse.
news, Top Story

Not Guilty: Colston 4 Acquitted by Jury Majority

By a majority of 11 to one a jury has found the Colston 4 not guilty of criminal damage for the toppling of the statue of Edward Colston. Speaking from outside Bristol Crown Court after the verdict, and wearing Banksy’s commemorative t-shirts, the four gave tearful thanks to their legal team, witnesses, supporters, and the groups Glad Colston’s Gone and Bristol Defendant Solidarity.  Challenged by … Continue reading Not Guilty: Colston 4 Acquitted by Jury Majority

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