Over 400 march against fur in London

CAFT UK | 14.10.2008 16:18 | Animal Liberation | Ecology | London

Over 400 anti-fur campaigners took to the streets of Knightsbridge in London on Saturday 27th September, taking a loud and firm anti-fur message right to the heart of the capital's fashion district. As the activists began to gather in Belgrave Square, it was clear this march was going to be even bigger and better that last year's march as the crowd began spilling out into the square. There were speeches from CAFT supporters, as well a guest speech from Adrian Ramsay, deputy leader of the Green Party.

As we set off for the march proper, we made an impressive sight and the sound of anti-fur slogans became loud and clear. There was also a very visible and somewhat heavy police presence, the march was flanked on both sides by scores of officers and accompanied by at least 14 police vans, as well as a police helicopter which stayed above us throughout the entire rally and march, much to the annoyance of many members of the public who complained about the waste of tax-payers money.

We soon came to Sloane St, where we began to pass by some of the famous retailers and designers of fur, such as Gucci, Escada, Versace, Fendi, Joseph and Armani. It was clear which shops were selling fur, as those were the ones with police guarding the entrances. Each one was named and shamed by the marchers, and all along the busy road large crowds of tourists and shoppers stopped to watch and film the protest.

Next it was onto Brompton Rd, and eventually to Harrods department store. As we approached, the crowds of onlookers were even bigger, and a huge cry of "Shame on Harrods" echoed around the road. Eventually we stopped outside the store and held a minute's silence for the animals killed by Harrods for the fur trade. Many described it as a poignant and powerful part of the march. Later we also held a minute's silence at South Kensington outside several adjacent branches of Joseph Ltd.

After an hour and a half around the streets of Knightsbridge, the march was still vibrant and loud as we returned to Belgrave Square.

The march was a great success, literally thousands of passers by got the anti-fur message loud and clear, and many of the main sellers of fur in the area were also shown just how much opposition there is to this cruel trade. Thanks and well done to all who took part.

Don't forget that fur protests continue throughout the year, so if you want to get active contact us

Some video and photos from the day, please send us some if you have any more: