We are organising for queer peace, both independently and as part of the Stop the Arms Fair coalition!
If you’d like to be involved in actions during June and July, please contact us via info(at)sparklesnotshrapnel.org.uk, or via the Facebook and Twitter links above.
Thankyou to everyone who joined the protest today, who came up and said thankyou (and made us feel happy), or who simply took a leaflet.
Remember to tell Clarion’s John Geenty (Tel: 020 7370 8634 Email: john.geenty@clarionevents.com) that Clarion should get out of the arms fair business!
Photos and other stuff to follow, but thankyou!
Weather likely to cramp our style, transport and action-wise…if you are planning to join us please call the Action Phone number 07580374862 - we are planning a leafleting session at least, then retreating for veggie food.
*** Confirmed details! All welcome! Action phone number 07580374862, follow updates on the day via Twitter @SparklesNS*****
Join Sparkles Not Shrapnel, Queer for Peace, and friends as they say, “Carry on Camping, but clear off Clarion!”
The Issue (the serious bit)
Destinations Holiday & Travel Show is organised by Clarion Events who also run the DSEi Arms Fair.
The controversial arms fair is at the heart of the global trade in weapons:
- it brings 25,000 arms dealers to London every two years;
- it is regularly attended by representatives of repressive regimes, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain;
- as recently as last year, it has had exhibitors advertising cluster bombs and torture implements.
Supporting Destinations means supporting the arms trade, which kills 300,000 people every year.
Goals of the action:
To raise awareness among the attendees and sponsors of the Destinations Travel Show that they are supporting the global trade in arms.
To create a visible queer presence against the arms trade
Dress & Theme:
Holiday! Be a gorgeous pilot, lovely cabin crew; a redcoat, or a holiday rep; come in your bathing suit (not birthday suit..). Heck, even wear a hat with corks hanging from it. Whatever it is, be fabulous!
This is what we call cabin service.
What will happen?
Assemble from 1130am outside Earl’s Court Station, Exhibition Centre entrance on Warwick Road for a pre-action briefing,
Action starts from 12 mid-day, to run until 2pm finish. We will be providing visitors with a musical accompaniment to their visit, and a helpful safety briefing airline-style in case they encounter the products of the arms trade.
Debrief, veggie lunch at nearby venue from 2pm-2.30ish
Safe-words:
Our actions are open to everyone willing to abide by our Safer Spaces policy.
All our actions are peaceful: we do not threaten or use violence.
Our actions are visible and consequently accountable. There is no expectation of arrest on this action.
Due to previous bad experiences, we do not discuss our actions with Police: please familiarise yourself with the bust card from our friends Green and Black Cross.
More information:
Website: www.sparklesnotshrapnel.org.uk
Email: info (at) sparklesnotshrapnel.org.uk
Twitter: @SparklesNS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SparklesNotShrapnel
Action phone number: Will be posted 24 hours before the action
Holiday planning Checklist:
Bathing suit - Yes
Sunblock - Yes
Arming repressive regimes - No!
For privacy purposes those tend not to be advertised on the websites. We would love to see you!
A group from Sparkles Not Shrapnel “dying-in” at the Stop the War Coalition protest in Trafalgar Square!
Picture credit: Ian Pocock; thanks to Ian for his love and help.
If we met you, or you joined us, lovely to see you at STWC! Thanks to all who got involved, made costumes, died in, and to those who looked after us while we did!
Video and pics to follow…
For those heading to Trafalgar Square, the action number will be 07999425861, or follow us on Twitter @SparklesNS
