Leicester Street Party

Leicester streets were reclaimed on Sunday 9th June. People met up in Victoria Park and were led to the scene of the crime, where four tripods had been erected (in only three minutes) blocking the main A6 London Road into the city centre. A sound system was set up, children’s paddling pool filled, comfy chairs, banners, balloons, flapjacks, fire jugglers, water fights and loads more things appeared. Three hundred people joined in, dancing in the heat of the midday sun.

The party continued for three hours until police moved in and forcefully rounded up the crowd and pushed them back towards the park. Six people were arrested and charged with obstruction of the highway. Abuse was shouted at the police as they became forceful.

The day was a huge success, with everyone enjoying themselves and for many it was an introduction to the anti-car resistance. Local press covered the issue, making it headline news, with the local paper describing the party as a ‘radical family affair’ and bringing the issues to a wider audience.

The scene is now set for Leicester Reclaim The Streets II which will be even bigger and better - watch this space for more details or even better get involved in helping with the next one by calling LEAF on: 0116 255 3223.