Standing next to major carparks and roads I was able to broadcast to a large
number of people over several hours. I returned to the Blitz festival at around
seven to catch the last few acts and sink some beer. By this time there was
a visible police presence circling the venue. People were however unperturbed
and continued to enjoy the free concert, exhibition and events.
Time rolled on and just as the last DJ was coming on a squad of black clothed
police strolled up and generally started harassing people. Snatching pints from
people (which had been bought in the venue) and pushing people up against the
wall to frisk them. I was very impressed that everyone managed to keep their
calm and opted for pulling out as many cameras and dvcams as possible, taking
police numbers and generally trying to enforce a bit of law and order on the
troublemakers. This happened after a week where the Nato organizers had their
phones tapped, had been followed and generally harassed for objecting to the
status quo.
Eventually the police left us and went back to circling the venue, with occasional
strolls through the square. Pleased with themselves in the way they had let
it be known that even though this may be a democracy, certain points of view
are not welcome.
We packed up the sound system and I went back to stay the night with the Nato
organisers. After a few beers it was decided that the night was not over yet
so we headed out to a free party being held under an old railway bridge. Running
from a generator the organizers had set up a sound system, and lights in a disused
arch and let rip with the Drum and Bass. A fitting end to a day of hijacking
airwaves, corporate buildings and unused space.
