10-20,000 took part in the london mayday march. despite 2011 being the year of massive swingeing cuts imposed by an undemocratic government,, the turnout was average, and characterised by a large international presence, putting the british union and left-wing movements to shame. Pics and report ...

Related report: trafalgar square occupation 48 hours going strong

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as the crowds gathered at clerkenwell green, there was little sign of the anarchist public assembly, although a small anarchist contingent joined the end of the march as it set off.

the largest, most organised, and most colourful groups were internationals, with a strong presence from sri lankans, demonstrating over the genocide of the tamils, and thanking al jazeera, channel 4, and inner city press for their coverage of the issues. there were also large groups from turkey, iraq, iran, greece, and elsewhere. the uk union presence seemed limited to pensioners, the rmt, some teachers, prison officers, and a few other small local trade union councils, but given the extent of the con-dem cuts, it was all very disappointing.

policing was fairly low key, although a quick check of back streets found several vans of riot police never far away, and the anarchists at the rear were loosely enclosed by yellow jackets. along the route too, there were police posted at possible flash points, protecting corporate interests like the 'topshop' branch on the strand, and of course, macdonalds.

at trafalgar square, there were the usual speeches from the usual suspects, including tony benn, and lee jasper, but the sound system wasn't up to much and people complained they couldn't hear very well.

the 'occupation against the cuts' camp gained a lot of interest and support as people began to leave the square mid-afternoon.

with the good weather, the con-dem cuts, the student fees, the pension changes, the recession, the banker's huge money grab, and the clampdown on dissent, i was hoping for a better turn-out this mayday. i just hope people were saving their energies for greater displays in the coming months.