Climate action planned at York Station

Red Rebels from York will silently process through York Station this afternoon.

The Red Rebel group
Author: Benjamin FearnPublished 31st Oct 2021

In the run up to COP26, Red Rebel Brigade groups UK-wide are completing a silent, three-day pilgrimage by train, starting in Truro and finishing today in Glasgow on day 1 of the conference.

To witness and support the crucial discussions taking place at COP26, Red Rebel groups will stage haunting performances at each station along a planned route. Performances will share the message that we need to act now to halt serious natural disasters, global warming, and life-threatening pollution levels.

The Red Rebel group describe themselves as "a theatrical, apolitical performance group that raises awareness of ecological and political crises through peaceful, silent processions. Countrywide, hundreds of Red Rebels sound the warning through art and movement. Group members wear red, representing the danger of the climate crisis and its impact on humanity".

The three-day train relay began in Truro yesterday. The group say "a banner will be displayed during a high profile, public demonstration, signifying the end of the journey and the hope that COP26 will drive political climate action."

Red Rebels from York will silently process through York station from 1:30pm today and onto the train for departure at 2:15pm. The group will be escorted by local environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion York and Youth Strikers who will witness the departure at the station.

Activists will then stage a banner drop outside the station, urging leaders to recognise the importance of climate action. The demonstration will not disrupt other passengers.

York Red Rebels will join together with Manchester Red Rebels at Manchester Piccadilly at 15:40pm, performing a silent vigil to mark the mid point of the relay.

"Red Rebels will travel, silently and with purpose, along the veins of the country to the beating heart of COP26 in Glasgow," explain event organisers Catherine Heinemeyer and Christina O’Neill. "We will bring the message that it’s now CODE RED for humanity, for climate, and for nature. There is not a single moment more to waste, and policymakers who don’t come to the table ready to make sacrifices really will have blood on their hands."

"The Red Rebel Brigade symbolise the common blood we share with all species, that unifies us and makes us one," says Red Rebel founder, Doug Francisco. "As such we move as one, act as one and more importantly feel as one."

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