3.3.2006
McDonalds - rubbish food made of fat, dead forests and exploited labour.
Newcastle - home of geordie pride and with some rather nice bridges at the Quayside. Perfect backdrop to a TV campaign.

Anyone remember Stuart Hall from 'It's a Knockout' in the 1980s? He was their frontman, speaking into a purple mic at Monument - until that is a gaggle of fat clowns careened into view behind him and started dancing and belching.

Police muttered about breach of the peace but no one was breaking the law so nothing could be done. The film crew weren't best happy, and one of them hit a girl in the neck to make himself feel better about himself.

"But we hate McDonalds too!" the camera crew said, "We were just laughing before about how we would never eat there." Sorry, said we, but that just makes you hypocrites.

There was a standoff as the light faded, and a vigilant presence on the Quayside kept them from filming there as had been their intention. The camera trucks eventually retreated out of the city, aiming for a spot with less citizen participation.

It was a very funny day which felt spontaneous and happy, with lots of approving comments and participation from passersby. About 30 people took part in the advert-blockade, of which 10 or so were dressed as fat clowns.
Someone out there's got photos they might like to upload.

We know we didn't bring the McDonalds empire tumbling down, but boy was it satisfying to bug the hell out of them! Recommended.