Demonstrations

National Demonstrations

CND and other organisations have large national demonstrations (usually in London). These are usually totally ignored before they happen and therefore the only way that people find out about them is through local campaigners (that you lot).

Getting it mentioned in the local press by doing a press release or letter to the editor.
Produce your own leaflet and distribute it in your town.
Contact other local groups who may be interested - Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Anarchist Groups...
Organising a coach or arrange to meet up before taking public transport

Running Your Own

If you want to hold a demonstration then there are two types - a static demonstration and a march or procession. If you are only expecting a small number of people then remember that a march always looks smaller than a static demonstration with the same number of people. Also the two types are also different legally.

First of all what is the message that you want to get across and how are you going to get it across? Banners, placards or perhaps something a bit more creative (click here to see Theatre of War's creative campaigning site).

Legal Issues

Static Demonstrations

You do not need to contact the police if the demonstration is static (unless it is in the SOCPA zone around Parliament). Sometimes it may be useful to do so (for example outside Lakenheath) and other times it may not.

It is a criminal offence if your demonstration is on private premises or land and stops some lawful activity.

The police can impose conditions on the demonstration (Section 14 Public Order Act) once it as started.

Marches