Bonfires In The Street

After 4 months, the squatted 121 centre in Brixton, South London, is still occupied and awaiting the bailiffs. During that time people have been trying to maintain a 24-hr occupation of the building without losing sight of all the reasons why such autonomous space is so vital and important and fun.

It's been hard though, to keep spirits and energy levels high, and find enough to keep us amused in what can be a dark and lonesome building. So people decided to hold a street party, to celebrate the continuing occupation, 121’s history, our desire and ability to claim our own space in this world...

On Saturday 10th April - our 86th day of ‘resistance’- the party took place directly outside the building. The sun came out just as the barricades had been assembled and the sounds were kicking in. The music took a bold, innovative ( and much-appreciated) ‘no techno’ stance, and was accompanied by dancing puppets and at one stage, a show by the 121 striptease team.

Most of the neighbours joined the party (as did an incredible number of passing shoppers on their way home from the market) of an estimated 500 people. The music went on till late .Police hovered in extremely small numbers and observed, not even complaining about the bonfires in the streets!

The party was ‘organised’ by a handful of people at 2-3 weeks’ notice. In response to all the clamours of ‘why don’t you lot do this every week?’ we’d like to encourage everyone to organise their own community parties this summer - not necessarily in a street but on any unused land in your area.

Having said that, the 121st ‘day of resistance’ falls on a Saturday - May 15th - so there may well be something happening on that date.

121 Centre: 0171 274 6655