Extinction Rebellion march in Hastings. Picture: Andy Clifton SUS-200311-164114001Extinction Rebellion march in Hastings. Picture: Andy Clifton SUS-200311-164114001
Extinction Rebellion march in Hastings. Picture: Andy Clifton SUS-200311-164114001

Extinction Rebellion march through Hastings

The Hastings and St Leonards branch of Extinction Rebellion marched through the town on Halloween night.

The demonstration, held on Saturday, October 31, started at The Stade at 6pm and ended at 8pm by Muriel Matters House, Breeds Place. Extinction Rebellion Hastings and St Leonards said the march aimed to highlight the ‘climate and ecological emergency’. Those participating wore black (or themed colours of red, orange and white), with many dressed as skeletons. XR Hastings and St Leonards said social distancing was maintained. Participants were organised into groups of 30, as protests are exempt from the government’s ‘Rule of Six’ as long as they are organised in a Covid-secure way and subject to strict risk assessments. A spokesman for the group said these risk assessments were completed ahead of Saturday night. They said the event was designed to be ‘an opportunity for the whole community to express concerns’. The march also featured some sombre drumming and fire torches carried by participants. Illuminated cyclists also rode alongside the crowd, which contained a number of elderly protestors who said they were marching ‘for young peoples’ future’.