The Big One 21-24 April
What's the plan?
A four day protest with tens of thousands of people, outside the Houses of Parliament from 21st - 24th April 2023, with time on either side for preparation and ‘pack down’.
The invitation is to all humans, all movements, all organisations to come together and stay for as long as they can.
Positive discussions are taking place with a wide range of organisations - allies, friends and new connections, who are lined up to become official supporters.
The action will focus on Parliament Square and the area directly south of Parliament Square. XR will join with other organisations in building alliances, engaging with decisions and transforming energy into pressure on the government.
We intend to create an inclusive space so that people from different backgrounds are welcome to join, with minimal risk of arrest. This means no glue, paint or lock-ons for the four days.
Our rights to gather together at Parliament and on the roads outside the Houses of Parliament are enshrined in international law. We are communicating with the Metropolitan police to facilitate the protest and work together to meet the needs of the local community.
The same informaiton on this page can also be found on The Big One - Info Doc
Programme
There will be an inspirational lineup of speakers, musicians, performers, poets, writers and thinkers, alongside radical acts of co-creation from attendees and supporters alike.
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For Programming proposals and suggestions please contact: programming.XR@proton.me
Get in touch with the name of the act, links to live video footage, phone number and availability over the 4 days. Application deadline 5th April.
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For Relationships please contact: relationshipsXRUK@protonmail.com Relationships circle makes contact with and agree understandings with groups and organisations who would like to support, contribute or collaborate.
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For Actions email xr-action@protonmail.com and follow the Rebellion Broadcast for updates.
The Big One
Activities designed to form connections and encourage participation will take place throughout the streets of Westminster until 20:00 each day. More details and exact event times will be announced.
Friday 21st ~ Unite to Survive
People's Pickets at Government Departments 7am onwards
Saturday 22nd ~ Earth Day
Big One for Biodiversity ~ March
Sunday 23rd ~ Running Out of Time
Marathon Day: Outreach, Organising, Creative Actions & Assemblies
Monday 24th ~ Choose Your Future
People's Pickets at Government Departments 7am onwards
The Programme
THE BUILD UP
4 Days of Preparation ~ 17-20th April
In the week before April 21st we will be opening an awesome preparation centre in central London to share with friends and allies from around the UK and beyond; to train, create, hear inspiring artists and make change possible. And have fun while doing it!
After years of the global pandemic, cost of living crisis and new draconian police laws, this is how we will build back momentum and build a stronger movement. Zoom doesn’t cut it. We need to meet in person.
The preparation centre is wheelchair accessible and will be a place where unity is held above uniformity of brand or strategy or demand. Our home is your home - Earth.
THE BIG ONE
4 Days of Occupation ~ 21-24th April
Here Comes EveryoneThe weekend is our opportunity to build momentum through discussions, creative activities, assemblies, workshops and sharing.
Friday 21st & Monday 24th
People's Pickets at Government Departments
The Big One begins with People’s Pickets at government departments from 7am on Friday 21st and growing throughout the morning. Groups will self-organise pickets at department entrances South of Parliament Square.
The machinery of state is being used against people and the planet so we're getting on a picket to say, not in our name.
The People’s Picket Supporting Doc has all the information and next steps for planning. This includes the ‘Wedding Table’ announcement to discover who is on each picket.
Whilst the deadline for groups to join pickets has passed, fill in the form and we'll fit you into plans as they develop.
We are still welcoming new organisations to The Big One. To join, please also complete this.
Email with any questions: xr-action@protonmail.com
Saturday 22nd
A massive Biodiversity march on Earth Day, sanctuary and family-friendly spaces, food, art blocking, print-making, performances and amazing guests are some of the things to look forward to.
Big One for Biodiversity ~ 1-3pm Parliament Square
A march, rally and assembly to honour and respect species endangered by the global ecological crisis. All organisations are welcome to join; invite family, friends and everyone you know!
- Join the Telegram Group
- Creative Ideas Pack - props, costumes, messaging and artwork
- Biodiversity Fact Pack from XR Scientists
- Join the Facebook event
Sunday 23rd
The final stretch of the London marathon will intersect with the occupation, providing an opportunity to engage with the public and actively support those running in the marathon for causes amplified by the climate crisis.
Vigils will continue each evening and we'll be back in force in the morning, making sure we have our demands ready for Monday 24th when parliamentarians return. This is the work.
The occupation will be designed for maximum participation and access; building pressure by coming back again and stronger over the 4 days and showing that we are impossible to ignore.
The Map
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