GSN Protest Guidance
Saturday 22nd August | Counter-protest at the ibis, Gloucester
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Gloucestershire is strongest when we stand together.
We are gathering to show solidarity with the people living inside the hotel and to oppose racism, hostility and division. Our aim is to be bold, vocal and visible while staying calm, organised and safe. We are not there to antagonise or verbally abuse the “Patriots”. We are there to outnumber them and show people in the hotel, and across the county, that there are many more of us. Please follow steward guidance. Individual actions can affect everyone’s safety.
Please also join our WhatsApp broadcast channel for updates on the day. This is different to a WhatsApp chat and sends notifications in a different way
Meet, March, Leave
Meet at Barnwood Park, GL4 3QU, at 11.00am. We will walk together to the Ibis, aiming to arrive before 12 noon.
The route is short and fairly flat. There is parking on nearby residential streets – please be respectful of local residents.
If you are joining at the Ibis instead, please avoid travelling alone if possible.
We plan to leave together at 2.00pm. Please do not linger after the event.
Bring what you need
Please bring water, food, weather protection, comfortable shoes, and a fully charged phone if you bring one. A small amount of cash may be useful. Please avoid bringing valuables, bank cards or jewellery if possible. Please do not bring alcohol, drugs, or anything that could reasonably be seen as a weapon.
For access needs: solidarity-glos@proton.me
Nearest toilets during the protest are at Sainsbury’s. Stewards can help with directions. St Lawrence Church, Barnwood has offered toilet access when we return around 2.00pm.
Listen to stewards
Stewards will be clearly identifiable and introduced at the start.
Please follow steward guidance, stay calm and do not be provoked. Individual actions can affect everyone’s safety. Please do not engage individually with anti-migrant protesters. If conversations are needed, stewards will handle them.
If you feel unsafe, see someone acting suspiciously, or are unsure what to do, speak to a steward.
There will be a nominated police liaison. Please leave conversations with police to the stewards.
Documenting
Some people may attend to film, provoke, identify people or create online content.
Please do not engage with streamers. If they hassle you, turn away, move back towards the group, and speak to a steward. Some people choose to play Disney soundtracks or other music likely to trigger copyright flags on live streams, so streamers cannot monetise footage.
GSN photographers will be introduced at the start. Please avoid photographing faces without consent. Do not photograph people living in the hotel. Do not post identifying images of others without checking.
Your rights
We have not had arrests at previous GSN events and do not expect arrests at this event.
Arrest support information, including solicitor numbers, will be shared on the day and via the WhatsApp group. If you witness an arrest, tell a steward immediately.
You may choose to wear a face mask or covering for privacy, safety or health reasons.
Police can sometimes require face coverings to be removed if a Section 60AA authorisation is in place.
Look after each other
Please look out for one another, especially anyone who seems anxious, isolated or unwell.
Let a friend or family member know when you arrive and when you are safely away.
Our aim is to be visible, united and safe.
For further guidance search online:
“Liberty – Practical Protest Tips”
Contact: solidarity-glos@proton.me