News / Stokes Croft
Extinction Rebellion protesters stop traffic to host street party on Stokes Croft
“Creative mischief” came to Stokes Croft on Saturday afternoon as Extinction Rebellion protesters closed much of the road to host a community street party.
The “cheerful civil disobedience” saw protesters prevent motorised traffic using the stretch of Stokes Croft from Ashley Road to City Road.
A temporary stage was set up on Turbo Island, with musicians and other entertainers performing on the street as cars and other vehicles were forced to take detours.
is needed now More than ever
The demonstration came just one day after hundreds of schoolchildren took to College Green in another protest that aimed to draw attention to the dangers of climate change.
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Extinction Rebellion’s modus operandi is non-violent civil disobedience, which in recent months has seen activists plant trees on College Green, chalk-spray DEFRA’s offices, protest outside BBC Bristol on Whiteladies Road and hold a “die-in” at Bristol Airport to protest against its expansion.
“The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has announced that we have 12 years before the impact of climate change becomes irreversible and extreme weather, drought and food shortages will make vast areas of the planet unlivable,” Extinction Rebellion’s Nethe Everett told Bristol24/7.
A temporary stage was erected on Turbo Island
Everett said: “The only way we can face this crisis is by people and communities coming together with love and solidarity in defence of life.
“Governments have failed to act to protect life, so we need a mass movement of people who are working together to demand and create change.
“This street party is about bringing people together and building community ties so that we are ready to act together to save our futures.
“It is about celebrating life and building our community’s resilience to face the oncoming challenges.”
Extinction Rebellion Bristol coordinated with community organisations such as the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft in advance of Saturday’s protest.
Local artists, musicians and circus performers held performances throughout the party, with food and drink available from stalls set up on the road.
“This isn’t about causing trouble,” Everett added. “We are here to celebrate and appreciate the incredible communities of people that are sustained by life on this planet.
“We want to show what kind of world we can create when we come together as communities to take positive action.”
Read more: Hundreds of Bristol schoolchildren ‘strike’ over climate change
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