Rhythms of Resistance Manchester

Trick or Treat Climate Procession

2009-11-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

The Manchester Band played on the Trick or Treat
Climate Procession on Halloween. They were joined
by a 15 ft high Skeleton puppet. Members of the public
were leafleted and asked to write to their M.P.'s demanding
a Climate "Treat" in Copenhagen, for example real binding
cuts in emissions and serious carbon targets rather than a Carbon
"Trick", for example classifying Palm plantations as forests
and in so doing paying countries a green subsidy to
destroy pristine rainforest and grow commercial palm oil.
Palm plantations actually accelerate climate change because
rainforests grow on natural peatland, millions of years
of dead wood. Peatland is one of the most concentrated stores
of carbon on earth. Clearing the forest on top, draining the
peat and burning it releases vast amounts of greenhouse gases
into the atmosphere. Indonesia's peatlands represent just 0.1 per
cent of the Earth's land mass, but contribute a staggering
4 per cent of global emissions. James from the band said
"It is the ultimate irony that the climate change negotiations at
Copenhagen now contain a clause permitting virgin rainforest
to be felled and replaced by commercial palm oil monocultures
because these plantations can be classed as "forests". This is like
saying it's OK to destroy a priceless Leonardo Da Vinci
painting as long as you replace it with a poster.
If these ancient forests, and their indigenous peoples and diversity
are destroyed, the Copenhagen talks will be no more than hot air and
will give us no hope of survival."

Smash EDO Carnival Against the Arms trade.

2009-10-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

Wednesday the 4th of June 2008.

Members of the Manchester band traveled to Brighton

to play with London and Oxford Rhythms at the big

Smash EDO carnival.

The police were typicaly heavy handed as can be expected at

EDO events and one member of Manchester band

was pushed to the ground and had her expensive Hep

stolen by the Police. Otherwise

the day went well!

The campaign to close the EDO weapons components factory

has never been far from controversy.

The past five and a half years have seen violent confrontations

between protesters and police, court battles with the company

and large-scale demonstrations through the city's streets.

Protesters claim weapons components manufactured by the

EDO factory in Home Farm Road, Moulsecoomb, are used in planes

and missile systems to commit atrocities in Palestine and

elsewhere in the Middle East.

The Great Climate Swoop at Ratcliffe on Sour.

2009-10-19T03:32:00.001-07:00



On the 17th of October the band went to
Ratcliffe on Sour power station as part
of the Great Climate Swoop.

Considering most people had come to their first
rehearsal on the Friday the day before
the band were seriously impressive by the end of
the day and there was a real buzz.

The band were at the E.ON owned power station to
demand an end to coal. With E.ON forced to shelve
the new coal plant at Kingsnorth the week before,
the Swoop was happening to keep the pressure on.
Ratcliffe will emit more CO2 than Costa Rica each
year for the next 30 years.

In the run up to the UN climate talks at Copenhagen
this December activists on the Swoop were out to
show that coal has no future if we are to avoid
catastrophic climate change.

Ruth Kelly and 2.5 % biofuels travesty!

2008-04-17T02:43:00.000-07:00

On 15th April on biofuels day Rhythms of Resistance joined a group activists
who went to visit Ruth Kelly's constituency office in Bolton.
Protestors held banners saying "hello 2.5% biofuels, goodbye planet earth"
Rhythms of Resistance Manchester played along to chants of 'food for people
not for cars.' Local people were leafleted and informed about their local MP's
collusion with the biofuels greenwash and it's links with deforestation, the
rise in food prices and the displacement of indigenous people's from their land.
Channel M Manchester covered the story and spoke to a sambista dressed as an orangutan forced to leave his home in the Indonesian rainforest.

STOP EU RTFO NOW!

No Borders, No Nations, Freedom of Movement for ALL!

2008-04-17T02:39:00.000-07:00

On Saturday evening, up to 200 squatters and No Borders activists held an
unauthorised demonstration in the city centre. Accompanied by Rhythms of Resistance
and two soundsystems mounted on bike trailers, they marched from Victoria
Station into the Northern Quarter, along Market Street and Kings Street,
through Spinningfields into Castlefield.

The demonstration highlighted the ridiculousness of hundreds of houses
standing empty, while many of us face extortionate rents, mortgage
repayments or eviction threats. A participant said: “It was about time
that someone protested about the invisible borders that divide the city
into rich and poor”.

At the end of the march in Castlefields, the protesters succeeded in
taking symbolic action against the redevelopment of the area. As they
arrived at the old Jackson’s Wharf pub, they entered the abandoned
building and brought it back to life for a couple of hours of celebration.

This event in Manchester coincided with dozens of building occupations,
protests and street parties across Europe, in cities as diverse as London,
Amsterdam, Vienna and Prague. Worldwide, tens of thousands attended.

Fossil Fools Parade

2008-04-02T03:30:00.000-07:00

Manchester's Fossil Fools got up to all sorts of tricks today, visiting some of their idols in the city centre... unfortunately in our efforts to congratulate the best fossil fools a few mishaps occurred...
Some clowns got stuck in the revolving doors at RBS and a human pipeline was escorted from the city centre building by security. Some members of the parade got confused and chalked messages on the pavements, and people trying to escape the beating of drums ran to hide in the flight centre while the samba band, who really had no idea, blocked the entrance! Some policemen came along looking for Spartacus but couldn't find him anywhere.

This was a wonderful day where fossil fools in all their many guises could come together, from old men (we think?!!), to young dinosaurs, in shades, masks, facepaints and suits to worship at the alter of commercial climate denial. To encourage people to consider whether or not they too may be fossil fools there were free vegan cakes, and leaflets with guidance about making Manchester a cleaner city (another little slip up).

On a positive note banners reading 'OIL,GAS and COAL the jokes on US! Happy Fossil Fools Day! were hung on the walls of RBS, out of respect for their hard work contributing to climate chaos. Placards saying 'Mr.T says "I pity the fuel" were waved. The parade ended triumphantly outside Manchester Town Hall to recognise the vital role Manchester City Council play in the area, damaging the climate every day. Just before the end a charming man did a short but inspiring solo on the spoons.

Brussels Agrofuels Invasion

2008-04-02T03:27:00.000-07:00

A member of Rhythms Manchester travelled to Belgium to
join in an international action against biofuels. Activists
blockaded the doors of the International Biofuels Conference
and a large group of Sambistas drummed loudly to cause a
disruption. This action cast a large shadow over the latest
greenwash publicity stunt.

Stop the War Demo March

2008-04-02T03:25:00.000-07:00

Members of Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined a large
UK band at the national demonstrations against the war
in Iraq and Afganistan which marked five years of the conflict.

Raising Awareness about Bio-Fuels

2008-01-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

As part of a week of local actions against Bio-fuels Rhythms of Resistance Manchester played Samba and gave out leaflets outside Tesco on Upper Brook Street, around rush hour, on the 25th January. The band wanted to raise awareness about the issue of Bio-fuels and the consequences of large scale cultivation by companies such as Tescos.

They played for an hour and gave out about 80 leaflets. A banner saying 'Big business + Bio-fuels = DISASTER' was displayed along with a placard with 'The true cost of Bio-fuel - rainforest deforestation, food shortages, increased food prices, global warming, human rights abuses'

The event aimed to raise awareness about this issue among regular drivers and other members of the public. Leaflets contained information from www.biofuelwatch.org.uk about bio-fuels and Tesco's involvement, as well as ways people can get involved in actions and campaigns against agro-fuel investors and refineries.

People were receptive and interested. Local kids came and danced nearby. A man in a full balaclava came up to express his full support for the issue and ask the band to stop so people could hear their televisions! He looked a bit disappointed when they told him they'd already finished! ; )

After this RORM joined in this months Critical Mass.

Tesco Demo at Whitworth Art Gallery

2008-01-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined campaigners from Keep Chorlton Interesting and Manchester Uni Campaigns Collective to protest against Tesco. The groups gathered outside Whitworth Art Gallery for the arrival of Tesco boss Terry Leahy, who was attending a university meeting at the art gallery.

The band played as the ground was washed green by the Campaigns Collective, dressed in white overall and wielding buckets of 'green-wash'. They object to their universities links with Tesco, which has invested £25 million into a Sustainable Consumption Institue at Manchester Univesity.

The Keep Chorlton Interesting group, holding placards saying 'More Sameness' and 'Make Chorlton Bland', waited to present Terry Leahy with a 'golden cork in the ear' award, to highlight their feeling that Tesco is ignoring the concerns of the local community by continuing its attemps to build a Tesco in Chorlton. They were unable to present their award as Leahy avoided walking past the protestors by sneaking into the building through a side entrance.

8th December International Climate Change March

2007-12-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

Members of Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined other Rhythms bands in the London Campaign Against Climate Change March, as part of a global day of actions to highlight the issue of climate change. Despite rain, wind and freezing weather, about 10,000 people turned up to show their support.

For more information about the International Campaign Against Climate Change check out
www.campaigncc.org/

Reinstate Karen Reissman Campaign

2007-11-24T04:57:00.000-08:00

On the 24th November Rhythms of Resistance also joined in the 'Reinstate Karen' demo which began in the Peace Gardens and marched through Manchester in support of free speech and free health care.

Karen has been unfairly sacked for exercising her right and responsibility to speak out against privatisation and cuts. Rhythms also attended the rally to demonstrate on Tuesday December 11th when Karen's appeal was rejected, she must now take her case to the European Court of Human Rights.
www.reinstate-karen.org

Buy Nothing Day

2007-11-24T04:49:00.000-08:00

On Saturday the 24th November Rhythms of Resistance Manchester and Manchester Climate Action (MCA) held a free stall where a wide range of things from plants, to clothes were well received. Even a couple of police officers joined in.

Several folks then went to the Arndale Centre and released a banner attached to pink helium balloons, which read: "Shopping Costs the Earth." It floated up to the roof, right next to the giant Christmas Tree, to remind people of the social and environmental expense of purchasing.

In the Trafford Centre another activist from MCA disrupted shopping, in protest at the massive amount of car journeys it encourages in the name of profit.

For more info about free stuff and links check out www.freemanchester.org

RBS Day of Actions 15th October 2007

2007-10-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

In solidarity with the national day of actions called by Rising Tide, Rhythms of Resistance Manchester and Manchester Climate Action demonstrated outside the offices of RBS in Deansgate. Banners proclaiming 'Climate Change RBS makes it happen.' and 'Green Energy not Gas' highlighted RBS's involvement in the destruction of the planet. The self proclaimed 'oil and gas bank' has funded the national gas pipeline in Wales as well as being a major backer of the aviation industry. Leaflets were distributed informing members of the public and RBS workers about the companies record of climate crimes.

For information about how you can get involved with protecting the planet check out

www.risingtide.org

Drum Them Out! (Oct 13th 2007)

2007-10-13T04:41:00.000-07:00

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined a march to support the Campaign for Accountability of American Bases at Menwith Hill Base. This is one of the American Bases in Britain that host part of the Star Wars Defence system and is not accountable under British law. RoRM played music and managed to avoid being served with a section 12 notice by police who were using new laws to control lawful protest and refused to allow the demonstration to circulate the base as planned. The protestors managed pressure police into allowing them to get nearer to the main road that runs beside the base but were then threatened with immediate arrest as the police officer in charge resorted to the use of more draconian measures amidst heavy challenges from the people.

Regular protests are held at Menwith Hill to find out more check out

www.caab.org.uk/

Faslane 365 The Big Blockade!

2007-10-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

On October 1st members of RoRM took part in the big blockade. Due to heavy police presence, Rhythms took
to the air. Leaving drums at home, several people dressed as clowns, walked, on lock ons they had transformed into stilts, until they fell over. This happened to be in front of the North Gate where they locked on and remained in place until they were cut out and arrested.

The blockade marks the end of the year long public direct campaign however the campaign to shut down the Nuclear base continues and will do until there are no more weapons in Scotland.

The Aldermaston campaign to prevent the building of the next generation of Nuclear weapons in Britain is also underway
join them today!

PEACE! www.cnduk.org

Alternative Freshers Fair

2007-09-28T04:21:00.000-07:00

RoRM had a stall at Manchester's Alternative Freshers fair on the 28th Sept. Members met with students to offer an alternative to the drink and spend of mainstream clubs, and to introduce them to the activist and arts sceneon offer in the city, including RoR Manchester.

Rhythms Go Camping August 14th-21st 2007

2007-08-21T03:43:00.000-07:00

The Camp for Climate Action this year took place on squatted land outside Heathrow airport. Members of Rhythms Manchester teamed up with other Rhythms bands from London, Barnsley, Sheffield and Amsterdam to name but a few.

The band was active throughout the seven days taking part in an occupation of a factory with connections to the
Israeli occupation, supporting striking workers on a picket, as well as marching in support of a local protest
that turned out to be a police setup and saw first hand the dangers of handing over our civil rights in the name of security.

On the day of mass action rhythms headed to BA and members spent the night blockading the offices outside BA and
raising the spirits of the other illegally kettled protestors.

Outside the actions members of RoRM took part in workshops, and took their turn on gate duty warding off the predatory FIT teams with hardcore Samba tunes. There was also a good deal of socialising and a chance to get to know members from other UK and international bands.

This was a great week, bringing the urgent issue of climate change back into the media and highlighting with Direct Action people's anger and resistance to the corporations irresponsible destruction of our planet!
www.climatecamp.org.uk
The Tide Is Rising - Take Action now!

Party Without Pollution

2007-07-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

14th July: Party without pollution Kirkup Gardens:

The festival was powered by green energies and promoted eco-friendly lifestyles. Rhythms of Resistance Manchester performed some samba rhythms and also fused with the local MC's for a jam. The festival also included bicycle polo games, stalls, veggie food, dancing and live music.

Carnival Against Climate Change

2007-06-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

30th June 2007:

On this rainy and windy day, Manchester attempted to raise awareness on climate change issues. The awareness raising day included a Carnival parade with two samba bands, colourful banners and a mini critical mass. The Parade ended in the Peace Gardens where information stalls on climate change were set up and speakers took the platform to inform people of the current climate madness.

24th June: Peace march

2007-06-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

Manchester Sunday 24 June: Protest against war

Gordon Brown's coronation as Tony Blair's successor took place at a special Labour leadership conference in Manchester on Sunday 24 June. Different "leader" same shit.
According to the BBC, 2000 people marched against war.

on the radio

2007-06-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Under The Pavement, Manchester's radical, alternative radio show broadcasted on ALL FM 96.9, hosted a G8 special show on 14th June 2007. A Rhythms of Resistance Manchester sambista was one of the two guests. The show focused on the G8, the protests against the G8, the protest camps and the Rhythms of Resistance philosophies.

http://www.underthepavement.org/

G8 Videos

2007-06-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, JUNE 09, 2007

Samba at the East Gate blockade:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iqXJIrnBb8
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Samba and Dancing in Rostock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYwo3s725FU&NR=1
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Samba in Bad Doberan
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zxFO-dY_zg4
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For a short video of a G8 action with RoR samba go to:
http://www.spiegel.de/multimediauebersicht/
Click on:
Jubel nach den BlockadenDas Geheimnis der 5-Finger-Taktik
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G8:Last day of action: RoR sambistas joined with Shell to Hell and other activists toblockade a Shell garage at Evershagen in Rostock to demonstrate oursolidarity with the people of RossportFor excellent video footage of this action see Oscar Beards report here:https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/06/373415.html
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Video of the Police at 5:30 am outside the Reddelich Camp and some of Thursday's actions:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/06/373236.html
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G8 Blockade

2007-06-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 6th June 2007.

G8 Heiligendamm.

Thousands of people marched through the fields to the east gate (gate 2) where the road and the rail track were both successfully blockaded for 2 days and 2 nights. There was no violence even though the blockade was right at the fence and it soon turned into a friendly peaceful festival. A small group from Rhythms of Resistance and the Clown Army entertained the blockaders while they transformed the space between the blockadors and the riot police into a space of frivolity and humour.

7 helicopters landed in a row by the field but surprisingly some protestors started walking towards them with peace flags and balloons. The helicopters unloaded some more riot police and took off continuing their circular flights around the area. Police on horses was also by the nearby field without intervening.

Apparently the water cannons were initially unable to reach the blockade by the east gate due to another blockade a few meters away.

The locals were keen to support the blockades with supplies. The Police, though, warned them that they were associated and equipping an illegal act but this did not seem to stop their generous supplies.

After the first day of the blockade, magically food, blankets, toilets, water and soap appeared. the material that was used by the police to keep protestors on one side was turned into hammocks. The soundsystem from Queeruption, metal bands and Rhythms of Resistance supplied the music and all was kept pleasantly peaceful.

The East Gate blockade (also called the Peace blockade) had the concept of total non-violence and no barricades using objects; just people. And it seemed to work well…

Things were not as peaceful at the blockade at the West Gate. There, the water cannons were in full effect, but even with that the blockade held well for quite a long time as hundreds of people from the East Gate blockade marched to the west gate to reinforce the west gate blockade.

The east blockade was very successful as the gate was kept blockaded for over 48 hours. But it left a few puzzled. Was the East gate a stage for the Police’s public relations with the media while other protestors were brutally beaten up? Or was the Police plainly unable to control all the blockades happening at the same time with thousands of people?

LINKS
Pictures:
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/6727075.stm
Indymedia Article with some video links:
http://de.indymedia.org/2007/06/183655.shtml

2007-05-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

19th May:National Day for Refugees

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester marched in unity with refugees and asylum seekers, for asylum seekers rights.