J30 actions come to Cambridge (part 2).
Cameraboy | 01.07.2011 23:05 | J30 Strike | Public sector cuts | Social Struggles | Workers' Movements | Cambridge
At one point, I saw it stretch from one end of East Road to the other, with still enough of a head to snake it's way around the corner onto Burleigh Street.
Heading up East Road, Cambridge...
...Then up Burleigh Street.
The King Street Walk?
Buskers sing back the chants!
Sussex Street, here they come, better get out the way!
Up Trinity Street...
Someone who doesn't wear it as a fashion accessory.
Cyclists dismount on Regents Street...
Telling it like it is!
Stopping traffic on the way back to Parkers Peice.
Musical accompaniment.
Yup, it was THAT big, no fibbing.
Some skillfully minimalist guitar playing greeted us on arrival.
Hooplah!
Dog on wheels!
SWP stall.
Some final speakers...
"Hands off my mummy's pension!"
Even Teddies hit the streets!
I want a go!
As the march made it's way up East Road, many motorists honked their horns in support as they drove past, followed by clapping and cheering from marchers in response.
Even buses had to stop to allow the throng to pass, along with all other traffic in the town centre, which in the face of such a huge block of humanity, simply ground to a halt, so by sheer weight of numbers, the streets of Cambridge were well and truly reclaimed for the duration of our walk around it.
One of the musical highlights of the march happened as everyone passed through Sussex Street, after heading up King Street, as a couple of buskers sang back to the crowd "No ifs, No buts, No public sector cuts", for which they received plenty of appreciation from the marchers!
There was a distinct absence of drummers this time though, as many of the students who do it weren't around this time.
For once, the Market Square simply wasn't big enough to accomodate everyone, so we quickly passed through it and back up Sidney Street, towards the park again, once again bringing traffic to a halt.
Finally, we all made our way back onto Parkers Piece, where not only were the TV vans with their satellite dishes waiting, but also the copper chopper was hovering above.
There were a few more speakers and then some music to round off, but by this time not only had the crowd thinned out, but it was threatening to rain, so I decided to leave.
The overriding impression I will take awy from this day is that despite all the propaganda about the indifferent masses, it's clear to me that many people DO give a damn about the future direction of this country, and are passionate enough about it to come out onto the streets and make their feelings known.
David Cameron, you ARE the weakest link!!
Cameraboy