A number of protests are taking place in Birmingham city centre over the next few days, so we’ve collated the details to keep Westside BID members aware.
Although none of the protests are actually planned to be in the Westside BID area, they are in Victoria Square and nearby areas which are all regular routes for people walking and trams travelling up to Centenary Square.
The first protest is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday 1 March, and has been promoted as a Birmingham Day of Action for the Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil groups.
This is reported to be meeting in Victoria Square at midday and is described as being peaceful and inclusive, although the protest is expected to end with a ‘lie-in’ from 3pm in Victoria Square.
Then on Saturday 2 March there is a Stand Up for Public Services demonstration scheduled from midday to 2pm, with a march from 12.30 to 1pm from Victoria Square to New Street, High Street and returning to Victoria Square via Cathedral Square.
The numbers of people involved in the above events are unknown, but it’s likely to be in the low thousands.
Finally, on Saturday 9 March, there is a Peace Pilgrimage for Gaza scheduled, which is a planned one-day walk starting at 09.30am in Cathedral Square, off Colmore Row.
Those taking part will then walk to Elbit Systems, an Israel-based international military technology company and defence contractor which has a factory in Shenstone.
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “We welcome people’s rights to protest in our democratic country, but we hope that everyone attending remains reasonable, peaceful and acts within the law.
“While the demonstrations are not scheduled for the Westside area, it’s important for our members to know they are happening as they are taking place close by and in places where many Westside-bound pedestrians, trams and traffic has to pass.”
Main picture: a previous protest in Birmingham. © 2024 Extinction Rebellion Birmingham.
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