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Veggie Pride UK, Birmingham, 16th May 2009

Stalingrad O'Neill | 21.05.2009 21:56 | Animal Liberation | Culture | Ecology | Health | Birmingham

Birmingham played host to the UK's first Veggie Pride event, which celebrated an animal cruelty free lifestyle and promoted Vegetarian and Vegan food. The organizers cited the City’s central location, and the historic link Birmingham has played in the progress of Vegetarianism over the last century and a half, as the reason for location choice

Compere Rakhee Thakrar
Compere Rakhee Thakrar

Wolverhampton’s World renowned Reggae artist Macka B
Wolverhampton’s World renowned Reggae artist Macka B

An appreciative crowd watching him rhyme his itals
An appreciative crowd watching him rhyme his itals

Macka B finishing his set
Macka B finishing his set

Further applause for the main man
Further applause for the main man

Kristoff the Clown with volunteer from his audience
Kristoff the Clown with volunteer from his audience

People gather to watch Bloco Louco the Samba Band
People gather to watch Bloco Louco the Samba Band

Bloco Louco themselves performing
Bloco Louco themselves performing

Friends of the Earth promotion - Fix the food chain
Friends of the Earth promotion - Fix the food chain

Sea Shepard Information Stall
Sea Shepard Information Stall

10 O’clock Horses playing on stage
10 O’clock Horses playing on stage

Not many fans of Ronnie Mac ‘round then?
Not many fans of Ronnie Mac ‘round then?

Aaagh! Besieged by a flash mob!
Aaagh! Besieged by a flash mob!

Spacebar samples! ‘ think I’ll just try another one
Spacebar samples! ‘ think I’ll just try another one

Martin The Livewire Hip Hop Vegan opens his act
Martin The Livewire Hip Hop Vegan opens his act

Just a guess but I’d say he’s a Scots vegan
Just a guess but I’d say he’s a Scots vegan

Chris Butler entertains with his acute social observations
Chris Butler entertains with his acute social observations

‘Veggies Catering Campaign’ mobile catering trailer doing the business
‘Veggies Catering Campaign’ mobile catering trailer doing the business

Rivals ‘Something Fishy’ also pulling a hungry crowd
Rivals ‘Something Fishy’ also pulling a hungry crowd

Banner of the ‘Supreme Master TV’?
Banner of the ‘Supreme Master TV’?


Unfortunately I attended the UNITE March for Jobs Demonstration and Rally in Birmingham’s Centenary Square on the Saturday morning; so was not able to visit the Veggie Pride event till later in the afternoon

Then the adverse weather with its heavy showers often sent people scurrying for shelter and tended at times to clear the event location area (Victoria Square) But despite this obstacle, there was a continual stream of Saturday folk passing the square, who took time to browse the stalls and talk to the MVC (Midlands Vegan Campaigns) volunteers and others

Lots of onlookers took their time and gathered to listen to the speakers or enjoy the music offered by the bands and artists. People also tried and enjoyed the Vegan food on offer I noticed there was a constant queue at both Vegan catering vans throughout the afternoon. The other entertainment laid on for younger folk (Kristoff the Clown) also looked well attended

So despite the obstacle of the weather, it looked a major event success!

Photos, Copyright Stalingrad O'Neill - permission is required for third party usage

Stalingrad O'Neill
- e-mail: robograd@tiscali.co.uk

Comments

Display the following 7 comments

  1. controversy — @ntispeciesist
  2. Excellent Day! — Niki
  3. Greenpeace ships serve meat — Capuchin
  4. Congratulations! — Osian
  5. Videos of the day too — Vegan4Life
  6. Greenpeace NOT at Veggie Pride!! — VP attendee
  7. Clarification — Pat