News / Ashton Gate Stadium
City fans join forces to oppose military conference at Ashton Gate
Bristol City fans including members of Massive Attack and Idles, as well as representatives from the Jamia Mosque in Totterdown and the Dame pub in Bedminster, have joined forces in an open letter to express their “anger, disgust and profound concern” about Ashton Gate holding a military conference.
Despite the location in Bristol officially being kept a secret for security reasons, it is understood that the Future Indirect Fires Conference is due to be held at the stadium on March 5 and 6.
The aim of the conference is “to examine the likely development of Joint Lethal & Non Lethal Indirect Fires during the next decade”, with passes costing £1,499 for industry delegates.
is needed now More than ever
Although Bristol City have come in for the most criticism over the stadium hosting the conference, Ashton Gate is run as a separate company but still within the umbrella of the Ashton Gate-headqurtered Bristol Sport, the “multi-sport model” comprising professional football, rugby and basketball teams.
Ashton Gate is the home stadium for both Bristol City and Bristol Bears – photo: Martin Booth
Here is the open letter in full:
“Many of us in the Bristol City community want to express our anger, disgust and profound concern at the upcoming Future Indirect Fires Conference due to be held at Ashton Gate March 5th and 6th.
“Numerous companies participating in this event supply the weapons and technologies that contribute to the suffering of thousands around the world.
“Whilst Ashton Gate Stadium has every right to attract commercial revenue from a diverse range of sectors, an event of this nature does not sit well with many connected to the club. It is crucial that we take a stand.
“We are calling for the club to take immediate steps to cancel this event & any future events of this nature.
“Organisations who profit from war and the manufacturing of lethal weapons have no place in our community stadium.
“The following individuals & groups are just a select few who have joined us in signing this statement:
“Rob Del Naja (Massive Attack); Bristol City Vixencast; Jon Beavis (IDLES); Longwell Records; Friendly Records; One Stream in Bristol; Forever Bristol City; Idle Hands; Foreign Concept; Tom Cunningham (Ishmael Ensemble); David Lloyd (ex-City staff); Pessimist; Dan Thomas (Green Party); Bridget Petty (Green Party); the Dame pub; Bristol Jamia Mosque; Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign”
A Bristol Sport spokesperson said: “We would not comment on any event booked by an external client held behind closed doors at Ashton Gate.”
Main photo: DES
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