Starting from around 3pm today, Nottingham's Market Square has been occupied by a gathering of people aiming "to show that we will no longer tolerate the corporate greed and Government corruption that threatens our way of life and everything we work for". The occupation is a part of, and in solidarity with, the hundreds of other occupations taking place in 82 countries on 15th October. The occupiers have been enjoying coming together in the sunshine, tents have been set up and a megaphone is being passed around for people to communicate their frustrations with the system. At the moment the police are relaxed and are keeping a low profile.

The good weather has meant that the atmosphere has been great - people have been happy sitting in the square, having a drink and socialising. A lot of families were there this afternoon and kids have been having fun playing in the 'real media' box and making placards. It's strange to see the square being used for social rather than commercial purposes - something we need to change in my opinion.

The relaxed atmosphere masks a deeper sense of frustration with the global capitalist system though. Speakers expressed their disgust with the lack of opportunities they find in recession and austerity hit Nottingham. One woman talked about how the council can't keep open homeless hostels, Sure Start and meals on wheels but they can find money for whicker statues for the shopping centre. One man who couldn't find work said "We are sick and tired of having no jobs, no chance of actually doing anything with our lives". Many people emphasised the need to take direct action to get what we need. "We've got a right to be here" said one man "because we've asserted our right to be here."

The police kept a low presence throughout the afternoon, although Notts police's public order man did pop up to chat to people. One man was taken aside and chatted to by coppers for holding a placard saying 'Up your bum'. Apparently, some gay men had taken offence at the negative connotations. Nothing wrong with being up a bum after all!

At one point a quite drunk man heckled speakers shouting "Get a job!" much to the embarrassment of his friend. After his curly '80s mullet was heckled he seemed to forget his anger and was soon happily performing for the crowd on the megaphone :)

One of the participants I spoke to about why he was there said that he was protesting against "the utter injustices going on in the world today on every level". He said he hoped to "start building a community, democratic-based process... where everybody has a valid opinion that counts." "The monetary system is a joke that makes us all slaves..." he said. "It's run, controlled and owned by the business corporations and the huge bankers and we don't really have a say". In conclusion "Capitalism sucks. We want to get rid of it."

Let's hope the occupation keeps going and the process it's a part of helps to build a better, more equal and cooperative community in our city.