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
**********************************************************
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
**********************************************************
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
**********************************************************

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.

Gordon Brown in Manchester

2007-05-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Gordon Brown came to Manchester (16th May) to rub shoulders with the Co-Operative group and north west labour members and to chat about his "aspiraitions to lead our country" we were told.

So, as Manchester is the City of Peace, Rhythms of Resistance Manchester offered to entertain Gordon Brown and his buddies by offering them some music but also some education about how it is not nice to kill people, bomb countries and take countries to war.

The Police, however, seemed to wish to protect the sambistas of Rhyhtms of Resistance from the Warhead Gordon Brown and pushed them away from the building and also played chase.
**********************************************************************************
Indymedia report:

On 16th May 2007, Gordon Brown visited Manchester . “With the kind support of The Co-operative Group, the Labour Party hosted an exclusive opportunity for North West Labour and Co-operative Party members to meet Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP and discuss with him his aspirations to lead our country.”

Around 50 people gathered outside the building with Troops Out placards and banners. A few short speeches were made on the megaphone as part of the Lobby called by the Stop The War Coalition. Flyers were given out.

Meanwhile, Rhythms of Resistance Manchester (samba band) turned up with loud fast rhythms and chants “NO WAR” “NO NUKES” “BAD BROWN” and “TROOPS OUT”. The sambistas marched up the stairs to meet Gordon Brown. There was pushing as the Police rushed to stop the sambistas, while “this is what democracy looks like” was played by the band. One of the Policemen shouted angrily to the sambistas “I am not going to chase you” (!)

The protest lasted two hours with no arrests, but one loud message: Gordon Brown’s “aspirations to lead our country” are not welcomed here.

War criminals are not welcome! No to war, No to arms dealers, No more War Criminals.
No more warheads.

Stop the war machine.

SMASH EDO
STOP DSEi

Manchester march for Refugees and in celebration of International Workers Day

2007-05-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

7th May 2007

“More than 2000 children a year are locked up by the UK Government for immigration purposes”

“7000 Iraqi asylum seekers face the terrifying prospect of being forcibly returned to the bloodshed and violence of Iraq.”

“I don't want to go back to Congo because there is a war there and, if I go back, my life will be finished.'”

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester in unity with the Congo Support Project led the march on 7th May to demand that the government stops the war on asylum seekers.

The march, organised by the Trades Union for Refugees, started at All Saints Park and ended in The Peace Gardens for a rally.

“We cannot imagine how it feels to be sent back to countries where you face imprisonment, torture and ill-treatment. We cannot imagine how it feels to be in such a desperation that you set fire to yourself rather than be sent back home, or live in deportation centres. Equally we cannot imagine how it feels to be such an inhumane government to send these people to their death. We are here to stand in unity with refugees and asylum seekers. And to demand that the Home Office stops sending these people to their death.”

For an Indymedia report click here

No Nuclear Weapons! No War!

2007-03-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

THURSDAY, MARCH 01, 2007

24th February 07: Sambistas from Rhythms of Resistance and bands affiliated to Rhythms of Resistance joined forces to state their oppossition to war, nuclear weapons and Trident replacement.

The friendly pink band, which consisted of more than 50 drummers, created a carnival atmosphere showing people that this is what life should be about: music not bombs, dancing not killing. The band was followed by a large crowd of people dancing and was accompanied by strong chants against war.

However, as war does not stop with "A to B" marches we urge all peace-makers to visit Faslane to directly mark their opposition to nuclear weapons and war.

Faslane 365 is a one year continuous peaceful blockade of the Trident base at Faslane from 1st October 2006 to 30th September 2007

www.faslane365.org/

PEACE NOW!

G8 Action

2007-02-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

G8 Awareness Raising February 13th 2007

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined the Rhythms of Resistance bands in Germany, at the Bremen (Germany) Carnival parade to put the politics back in the streets.

Bremen’s 22nd Carnival, with the theme "Industrial", was a great platform for Rhythms of Resistance to raise awareness about the G8 and put out a loud and clear call to mobilise against the G8, which this year is in Germany. The band, dressed as workmen, wearing hard helmets and boiler suits, was pulling a wagon with the rich corporate-profit-seeking-suit-wearing monsters comfortably sitting in the wagon holding speech bubbles exposing the G8’s exploitation.

The band also gave out 1,200 leaflets and attracted media attention. The political aspect of the band’s participation in the Carnival was exposed to more than 10,000 people watching the parade at the Carnival.

*G8 = the rulers of the world's 8 most powerful countries hold a summit yearly.
This year is in Germany.

Rhythms of Resistance opposses and resists the G8 summit as these powerful rulers are responsible for ecological destructions, war, and the globalisation of capitalism.

Climate Change Action

2007-02-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2007

On 3rd February 07 the Climate Change campaigners were joined by Rhythms of Resistance Manchester to raise awareness about global climate change issues. The event took place in the city centre. Campaigners gave out newspapers and leaflets informing people about what they could do to make a difference and highlighting detrimental government plans regarding future energy provision for the UK.

Rhythms of Resistance played drawing in spectators who were then treated to environmental street theatre. The atmosphere was positive and people seemed to engage with the issues.

Party On!

2007-02-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

3rd February 07: Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined up with the Belle Vue ravers and other party loving people to protest against police brutality. The crowd was young, passionate and peaceful despite anger after police broke the laws protecting squatters rights and used excessive force causing harm to innocent people who were attending a free party at Belle Vue on the 20th January.

The protestors joined by the RORM band, marched from Urbis to rally in Albert square and then on to a city centre police station. "Stop police brutality" and "You've got to fight for your right to paaaaaarty!" echoed through the misty streets of Manchester.

Fight the Pipe

2007-01-21T13:34:00.000-08:00

On Sunday 21st Jan, anti pipeline campaigners took their cause to Clydach Indoor Market to raise awareness and hand out information about the controversial National Grid Gas pipeline.

They were joined by Rhythms of Resistance Samba Band, who came to play in solidarity with their campaign.Local people received flyer's and posters and expressed their support for the protest and their desire to get more involved. Unsolicited contributions to the campaign were gladly given.

Unfortunately after one man became aggressive and threatening, the event came to a premature end.

The terrible carnage that has already been inflicted on the environment has encouraged the local anti pipeline campaign to grow in strength. The campaign has attracted enthusiastic support from the UK and international visitors.

The Rhythms of Resistance Samba Band also supported yesterdays awareness campaign in Brecon town centre, which involved an exhibition of photos showing the destruction caused by the pipeline and an information stall . Again there was strong support in Brecon with over 90% of those spoken to being totally against the pipeline.

A Safehaven Network spokesperson said "The people of Wales are supporting this campaign with renewed vigour. Support is coming from all over the UK. International anti LNG groups are also sending their support including the Bahamas and California. We already share solidarity with the Rossport camp, and have been in regular contact with Pierce Brosnan's group in California."

"The pipeline protesters along with Safe Haven Network intend to spread the word right along the route of phase 2 of this controversial project and beyond. Other pipelines are being planned by National Grid and we are already in contact with people in those areas. "

"Resistance is growing. How far it will go is anyones guess".

Animal Rights

2006-12-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

23rd December 06: Rhythms of Resistance Manchester
joined animal rights campaigners protesting against
animal abuse.
*************************************************************************

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined animal rights activists for a demo against animal testing and the sale of fur.

The first stop was The Body Shop, where banners stating: "Boycott The Body Shop - It's not worth it" were accompanied by samba rhythms and chants of "Bad Shop!” The Body Shop, which previously sold itself on its ethical sourcing of its products, has been taken over by L'Oréal. This company has the worst rating for testing on animals (source: Ethical Consumer) and refuses to change its animal testing policies.

Police and street wardens gathered and threaten protesters with the new law regarding leafleting, which prohibits the distribution of free literature within specified areas. The activists, however, informed the police of the details of the law, which allows the distribution of leaflets for political, religious and charitable purposes. Ironically, the area surrounding The Body Shop was littered with their leaflets, which the police ignored.

With a police escort, protests continued against Armani's sale of real fur. Armani has refused to stop selling real fur, despite fur farms being illegal in the UK and fur production involving serious animal suffering. The colourful samba band gained the attention of a photographer and passers-by, who then stopped to take information from Manchester Animal Protection.

Don’t support animal cruelty:
Boycott The Body Shop!
Boycott Armani!

For further information visit: www.mapsoc.org.uk

Shell Blockade

2006-12-21T04:29:00.000-08:00

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2006

On Saturday 16th December potential customers at a Shell petrol station in Barnsley were given information about the activities of Shell in Mayo and encouraged to boycott the company.

A group from Rhythms of Resistance North moved in on the petrol station mid-afternoon. The entrance and exit were blocked, banners hung and leaflets given to motorists and pedestrians with information about the Mayo pipeline. Many people received the information sympathetically. One motorist returned from the nearest alternative source of petrol, two miles away, so people could be diverted to it.

Several car drivers however were very confrontational, driving into sambistas and in one case forcing a player on to their car bonnet before braking to cause her to fall off. The first police to arrive read out various threats, which couldn’t be heard above the drum beats. Eventually reinforcements arrived, adding to the chaos with a number of vehicles of their own. For a while they held up the traffic so their photographers could get a better view. When it came to the point of inevitable arrest for continuing the blockade the sambistas decided it would be more productive to move to the pavement and continue drawing people’s attention so they could be given more information. A fair proportion of car drivers chose not to enter the station even when the entrance was unblocked.

links
http://www.corribsos.com/
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/12/358438.html

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester is hosting a ...

2006-12-02T04:16:00.000-08:00

REBEL CLOWNING workshop by The Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army
on 2nd and 3rd December!

.. be part of a fighting force armed with ruthless love and become fully trained in the ancient art of clowning :-)
Discover the subversive freedom of fooling.
The workshop will be carried out by CIRCA recruiting officers!
http://www.clownarmy.org

RUN AWAY FROM THE CIRCUS
JOIN THE FORCES OF THE CLANDESTINE INSURGENT REBEL CLOWN ARMY

Buy Nothing Day

2006-11-26T04:14:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2006

Saturday, 25th November 06: Buy Nothing Day, a day where you challenge yourself, friends and family to switch off from shopping and tune into life. This is how a group of colourful happy people celebrated Buy Nothing Day in Manchester UK.

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester, Aliens, singers and their lovely friends took over the city in a colourful celebration of Buy Nothing Day , that included:

A FREE MARKET with lots of books, clothes, tapes, dvds and toys. All for people to take away (free) to promote re-using items rather than binning and re-buying.

FLYERS: Aliens, sambistas, singers and students gave out flyers with information on Buy Nothing Day and reusing and recycling. Awareness was also raised regarding ethical shopping, asking people to think about the environmental damages that products may result to.

SAMBA: the samba band, Rhythms of Resistance Manchester, entertained hundreds of people with samba encouraging them to “Stop Buying Start Dancing”. The band was joined by singers and poets too! The sambistas entered the Triangle Shopping Centre, with a banner and flyers and full samba swing. The acoustics were great and the band sounded excellent – the security guards though pushed the sambistas out. The sambistas re-entered through the other door in clowning fluffy loving style. The tough security guards were liberated with samba rhythms, as they smiled to the fun of RORM!

GAMES: games were played in the shopping centres, reclaiming the space from a mad buying zombie area to a space of friendships, fun and positivity.The games engaged young people and shoppers too!

BANNER FLOAT (the action which was also known in code: “banner drops, they are so last year sweetie darling”!): A banner suspended by 28 helium balloons was released next to the Christmas tree in the Arndale Shopping Centre. The banner which simply stated “Buy Nothing Day” was admired by hundreds turning the shopping centre in a beautiful space! The banner float was accompanied by more flyering.

In summary it was a beautiful day… and remember kids:
Think ...
Only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth’s natural resources causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage and distribution of wealth.
Re-think…
Buy locally sourced fresh organic produce
Say No to animal tested products
Fewer air miles – Stop Climate Change
Buy environmentally and ethically sound products.
Re-use and recycle.

Links
Rhythms of Resistance Manchester Buy Nothing Day features on Adbusters US Magazine website

Rossport Solidarity

2006-11-19T04:13:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2006

In Mayo, Ireland, Shell and Statoil, with the approval of the Irish government, are taking land from local residents to build a high pressure gas pipeline that will go past their houses: The pressure inside the pipeline will be up to four times greater than that of the biggest Bord Gais pipelines. The pipeline will be going through boggy land with a history of landslides.

The Rossport Solidarity Camp in Mayo, Ireland was set up as local residents oppose of Shell's plan to build the unprecedented high pressure gas pipeline through the hamlet of Rossport, on the wild rugged coastline of north-west Mayo, Ireland. The locals and activists have been faced with police brutality.

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined, in solidarity with Rossport camp, an awareness day outside a Shell petrol station in Salford, Greater Manchester. The awareness day involved postive engagement of the public. Information was given out to people visiting the station. A lot of them after reading and discussing issues left the station without buying petrol, in support.

Links:
Rossport Solidarity Camp
Indymedia coverage of Shell to Sea Campaign
Indymedia report on Manchester solidarity action

Film Night

2006-11-16T04:11:00.000-08:00

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester presents…....
a fine selection of video activism

Join our film night on 16th November 06 at 7:30 pm at The Basement, 24 Lever Str, M1

Come and watch films of..
1) the unexpected, the perfectly paradoxical, the grotesquely beautiful, the new-fangled world of The Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army (CIRCA)
2) a political explosion of Rhythms of Resistance shutting down Shell (film by Rikki)
3) Faslane365 (by our own local multi-talented video activist)
4) Greek students standing up against the privatization of education
5) Samba rhythms reaching people in a detention centre.
…and many more!!!
Lovely food will be also available!

The film night is part of the Creative Activism exhibition, which is at The Basement until the 26th November 2006.

Samba Workshop

2006-11-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

On 12th Novemeber 2006 RoRM held an open samba workshop at The Basement. The workshop was part of the Creative Activism exibition which is at The Basement until 26th November.

Manchester Day at Faslane 365

2006-11-11T03:33:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2006

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined Faslane365 on 6th-8th November as part of the year-long blockade to shut down the UK nuclear weapon base. Five sambistas were arrested and kept for 20 hours. All were released with no further proceedings.

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester demands:
Trident to be taken out of deployment.
No new nuclear weapons.

Animal Rights

2006-10-31T04:02:00.000-08:00

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2006

Dressed as zombies and playing samba, Rhythms of Resistance Manchester dissuaded shoppers from entering Kurt Geiger and encouraged people to stop at the information stall set up by anti-fur activists. Leaflets were handed out to the many people who stopped to watch the samba and zombie dancers.

The police arrived but after spending some time inside Kurt Geiger, they left without approaching the sambistas. Two so-called Environment Protection Officers later approached the band and requested for the noise level to be reduced. The sambistas kept playing as before!

Kurt Geiger was targeted because their collection includes boots made from real fur, despite the fact that fur farming is banned in the UK. Although several Kurt Geiger shop managers have said that they no longer sell fur, the company has refused to confirm this in writing or to say that the company will not sell fur in the future. The action was to ask consumers to call Kurt Geiger to adopt a fur free policy and to stop needless cruelty to animals.

Contact Kurt Geiger to ask them to stop the sale of all animal fur. Tell them you won’t shop there again until they do, and you will encourage others to do the same:

Kurt Geiger
75 Bermondsey St Borough London,
SE1 3XF Tel: 020 7546 1888
Email: neil.clifford@kurtgeiger.com
niki.turner@kurtgeiger.com

Media on the action:
Click here for the Indymedia article

Exhibition: Creative Activism

2006-10-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2006

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester proudly presents...
a mixed media exhibition on creative activism on 23rd October - 26th November at The Basement Social Centre, 24 Lever Str, Manchester, England

Join us for a colourful explosion of political expression with:

The Clown Army: The Army that liberates with love not guns and humour not bullets.

Rhythms of Resistance (international):the activist anticapitalist transnational network, that uses samba as a form of political action.

The Art & Activism Caravan: a border crossing project which supported and connected local youth groups, their actions and campaigns with the power of Activist Art.

..and a fine selection of video activism!

As part of the exhibition there will be:

a free samba workshop on 12th November at 6pm

a film night on 16th November at 7:30

and a Clowning workshop (tbc)

..the irresistible rise of resistance through tactical frivolity!

Live the Carnival!

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester for Space for Peace

2006-10-09T03:59:00.000-07:00

MONDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2006

As part of the international Keep Space for Peace week of action Rhythms of Resistance Manchester joined action sambistas at the Menwith Hill* (USA base) protest
( http://www.space4peace.orgww.space4peace.org)

The Police got a bit heavy handed when the sambistas refused to move away from the main gate.

Enough with the US Empire! Stop their invasion of privacy! Get them out of Yorkshire soil! Stop the War! No star wars!

*Menwith Hill = the most secret US base in Britain. It's unaccountable, unlawful and undemocratic. It's integral to US plans to fight in and through space. It's the world's largest spy base and it's getting bigger.
More info on Menwith Hill: http://cndyorks.gn.apc.org/mhs/

Indymedia Article click here

27/09/06 spontaneous action against War

2006-09-27T03:57:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2006

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester, in a self-organised autonomous fashion, visited the hotel, where the Labour party conference delegates stayed, to demand Peace and say No to Trident.
A night action, filled with samba and a strong antiwar message.

Click here for an Indymedia article

National Antiwar march - 23rd September

2006-09-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2006

National Antiwar march - 23rd September
Rhythms of Resistance bands across the UK fused into a 50-piece samba band that injected the antiwar demonstration with energy and passion. The samba activists dynamically took the streets of Manchester to say No to War.
Peace Now!
"With the rhythms of samba in our hearts, we vision a multi-coloured explosion of political expression" (International RoR Sambista)

MEDIA
Click here for an Indymedia entry and pics
Another Indymedia entry (with pics)
A video too
And another video

Marching for Peace

2006-09-22T03:54:00.000-07:00

Sambistas from Rhythms of Resistance Sheffield and Barnsley marched for peace from Sheffield to Manchester. Their march started on 19th September. The sambistas arrived at 7:30 pm on 22nd September, ready to join the national demonstration against the war.

Anti-War Demo

2006-09-04T03:40:00.000-07:00

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 2006

Coming up: 23rd September 2006 National antiwar demo.
“No Trident Replacement, Don’t Attack Iran”.
Join Rhythms of Resistance Manchester to say
NO to another war of aggression in the Middle East.
1pm, Albert Square, Manchester

It isn't enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it.
It isn't enough to believe in it, one must work at it
mancunianrhythms@lists.riseup.net

PEACE NOW

Twee Pride

2006-08-24T03:31:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2006

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester says "pinkpound sucks"

Gay Pride has become another pinkpound opportunity for corporations to target-market to gay consumers; Another must-do event to shape individuals into the "gay lifestyle" of body-image, clothes labels and canal street must-have s.

Don't choke on the vomit of consumerist "Pride"!
Honey, spit that shit out!

Fight the monster with true pinkness and create the world you dream of.
Join Rhythms of Resistance Manchester, your local radical samba band for an afternoon of music, dancing and smiling. We will not charge you for it.

Dance free from the corporate monster. RoRM would welcome a dancers' army to join us during the TweePride (the alternative pride event against the commercialisation of Pride).

Indymedia report on the day: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/manchester/2006/08/349195.html

Save the NHS demo

2006-06-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

24th JUNE 2006

Health workers and NHS users joined a street protest in Manchester on 24th June 2006 regarding the Pennine Acute Trust crisis that threatens more than 1,200 NHS jobs.

The protest, led by the samba band Rhythms of Resistance Manchester, started at Victoria station and ended at Castlefield arena with a rally.

The job cuts threat is due to the current NHS debt, which is less than 1 percent of its total budget. If jobs are cut, patient care will suffer.

Protestors demanded that the government gives the money as it could easily afford it, rather than cut jobs which will have an impact on health services. Service users raised concerns regarding recent privatization policies concerning the NHS and demanded that the NHS remains public. Service users and health workers stated that the NHS is not for sale.

A protestor said “it is more than disappointing to see the government keen to spend money on war and killing people but not willing to give money to maintain NHS services. It is scary to realize how ‘human and life unfriendly’ this government is. We say ‘no to war; no to the privatization of the NHS, no to NHS job cuts!’ The government has messed up enough times-do not let it mess things up this time too!”

Student Demo in Greece

2006-06-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

8th June 2006: The Protest

I arrived at the University and joined the samba practice. At 12:30 we went to Propylaia where thousands of people started gathering for the protest. While we were playing samba journalists were maniacally interviewing people and taking pictures – people were openly graffiti-ing walls and pavements – stencils against the commercialization of education and against the government. It was going to be big. We decided to leave the instruments when the march started as the students warned us that the protest was going to be a tough one: and they were right.

By Syndagma, the police (MAT : the ones with gas masks, tear gas and clubs and shields) attacked the protestors. There was blood and tear gas. Students and professors were crying in pain, still linking arms forming a strong chain of thousands of people. Some protestors were grabbed and beaten up. I was not ready for this. I had nothing to protect me from the violence and the chemicals. I lifted my t-shirt to cover my nose but this did not help. My eyes were burning. My throat was burning; even my skin. Tear gas was evil! I started spitting hoping it would help my throat. I found myself in a war zone: molotovs, chemicals, tear gas. People were running. Even police men (not equipped with gas masks) had the terrified face of not being able to breathe. I realised that once again I left my asthma inhaler behind. This was nasty. No street medics, no water. Shop keepers, old ladies, kiosk people, office workers in their suits were caught in it too. Everyone caughing, crying, running. One of the chants “to potami den girizi piso” (the river doesnot flow backwards) echoed in my head, as every single demonstrator was shouting it out.

There was the black bloc, the communist bloc and the student bloc. I joined the student bloc or as they called it “the polytechnic bloc”. After hours of tears and pain the students I was with, decided to get to the polytechnic – police is not allowed to enter the polytechnic or any university in Greece. We ran while some people were smashing bank, cars and shops. A mercedes car was set on fire. There was a blockade outside the university of burning skips. A fire started on the road and the firefighters in the middle of MAT and the angry molotov warriors, were trying to put it out. I went in the university through the side gate. Thousands of students were gathered with white faces. They were using a malox and water mixture on their eyes to ease the pain from the chemicals. They looked like the “choros” of a Greek tragedy. There was a call for a meeting. I stayed with the Caravan people for a bit but then decided to see what was going on outside. It was around 7pm and there were still molotov wars. I sneaked out of the university and was surprised to see that life was going on as usual on the parallel street: youngsters in internet cafes playing war games, men in kebab shops having a chat. I bought some beer even though I do not usually drink it! I just needed a drink!

The people at the Squat Villa Amalias were having a performance in the night: a greek play. Although tempted to join them to wind down after the eventful day, I decided to dedicate a few hours trying to wash the chemicals and tear gas off me.

On that night, I watched the news on TV. Surprisingly mainstream media spoke of the unnecessary police violence – this was because the police attacked a journalist too. There was a talk show with “innocent office workers who were attacked by the police” Mainstream media was interested in the black bloc, the burnt mercedes, the molotovs and the police. It was also said that the government wanted to stop having Universities as places where police cannot enter, which was a very scary thought – would the events of 1973 happen again? Ok may be without a tank, but seeing the violence today, I would not be surprised of students brutally being killed.

Joining the AA Caravan

2006-06-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

7th June 2006

http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2006/aa/

My visit in Greece coincided with the Art and Activism Caravan’s visit so I decided to join the Samba workshops as fellow Rhythms of Resistance sambistas were spreading creative activism and samba to rebellious Greeks.

I arrived in Athens at 3 am and headed to the Villa Amalias squat. A squat going on for 14 years! I wandered around for quite a few hours with my backpack and repinique (a small drum), (and a stray dog keeping me company) as instructions of where the squat was, were…well…not that accurate! I finally found it: a huge building on a corner! The walls full of graffiti and posters; I peeped through the little hole in the door – a huge yard but no one to be seen. I had a nap outside where I also found out that a 10-inch repinique can easily hold my weight and act as a comfortable chair!

Finally when I woke up I spotted a guy getting in the squat. I followed him and asked if he knew where the Caravan was. He directed me to the Polytechnic University– now when I think of greek polytechnics the first thought in my head is the 17th November 1973 events when the junta police drove a tank in the university killing students. I remembered all the chants the students were shouting back then – it was in our school curriculum: “edo Polytechnio, edo Polytechnio”… I started walking towards the university chanting “psomi pedia eleftheria” (bread, education, freedom) while also wondering if I could find the caravan as university campuses can be massive.

At around 12 noon I walked in the University yard. The Caravan was at the corner with a few people sitting in the shadow next to it. A Greek girl was making a huge orange saying “Boycott Israeli goods”. On the building walls there were hundreds of graffiti against authority and hierarchy. On the red wall there was a Rhythms of Resistance graffiti, with a little cross on a spelling error. I smiled and had a chat with the guys. They were planning a samba workshop in the afternoon and welcomed my offer to join in and help.

15 people who surprisingly were able to play the tunes after only a few workshops and at the same time smoke a cigarette and chat on the phone (this was part of student culture I was assured), attended the samba workshop. The students were all enjoying the samba and enthusiastically screamed that now they were too samba addicts!

After the workshop we all went to the university cafeteria. There was a strike and the university was squated by the students (due to their disagreement to the government’s decision to support private universities) and the staff at the university cafeteria where serving lunch for free. That was a good strike! Over a generous and tasty mixed vegetable dish I discussed their thoughts on creative activism: the students all thought drumming could be a beneficial addition to their protests but also pointed out that tactical frivolity could be misunderstood by other Greeks. Some of them pointed out that it was important to show they were very serious about issues and did not want to give the impression that they were fooling around or taking things lightly by making it look like they were having fun. They wanted their chants to be heard out clearly and loudly. But they all wanted drumming and samba to be part of their protests too.

The students decided that they wanted to play samba on the big protest on the 8th June 2006. We agreed to meet at 11 am to practice and then head to Propylaia (where the protest would begin).

Trade Union march for MayDay

2006-05-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

1ST MAY 2006:

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester and their friends led the May Day march in support of asylum seekers and refugees and to celebrate workers’ day. Despite the typical Manchester weather of rain the sounds of samba created a carnival atmosphere fusing once again politics and music. The samba rhythms combined chants like “workers' rights” “human rights” and “equal pay”; with frivolity, the drummers told off McDonalds, Starbucks and Sainsbury’s by combining a “bad shop” chant with their samba rhythm.

The march was organised by the Trade Unions For Refugees and supported by Manchester Trades Union Council. Other groups and individuals were present

Click here for Indymedia article.

Demo for Asylum Seekers Rights

2006-04-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

15TH APRIL 2006:

Manchester Rhythms of Resistance marched for asylum seekers rights against immigration detention centres.
Click here for Indymedia article.

Open Samba Workshop

2006-04-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

2ND APRIL 2006:

Massive samba workshop in Yorkshire.
For Indymedia article, click here.

What is "Rhythms of Resistance Manchester"

2006-04-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Rhythms of Resistance Manchester!

Rhythms of Resistance Manchester is a radical percussion band (samba band) that plays at street protests and direct actions. We see street carnival as a vital component of life and fun. We wish to create, through tactical frivolity, a world of equality, social justice and peace.

We operate through consensus decision making as we believe in non-hierarchical power.We do not expect politicians to change the world for us and we do not wish for a leader to lead us: we believe in a DIY culture, grassroots and we wish to express freedom involving laughter, music and dancing. Through carnival and occupation of the streets we subvert the symbols and ideals of authority.
Contact Us: mancunianrhythms@lists.riseup.net

An unexpected carnival is revolutionary.