over9000 has just raised an important issue about this weekend in that it's the ArtFest weekend.

I don't think this will raise any problems so long as we do what we always do (don't block the street, be epic and so on), but the festival may give a few headaches;

1) Does anyone know where the stalls and things will be near the protest site? If someone can have a quick look and tell us that'd be great.
2) The public may think we're part of the festival and not take us all that seriously, so some signage like "Global protest against Scientology" would be good; on the flip side
3) There are going to be a huge amount of people there (weather permitting), so the leaflets could run out in a few hours; I can get ahold of another 1200 a5 for £15 (or more if people think it necessary), but I can't afford it out of my own pocket, would people be alright to donate a pound toward it?
4) I've no idea how the council/police/street wardens are gonna react on the day, they've not said anything to us about any problems thus far; I can't see iany if we behave as we have before, but you never know
5) The scilons may be out in force to recruit people because of the influx of visitors, so the possibility for confrontation goes up; if they are out, please don't harass them. warning people away from them is fine, but keep some distance (3m / 10 foot or so)

So people, thoughts :)

I have to disagree. Last year, a dance cless which a family member of mine is in tried to promote there and the organisers kicked up a huge fuss and ordered them to stop or leave town because they hadn't paid to be there. So I think we'll need the Police to have a good word with them, but I wouldn't expect them to do much.

Also, last year and the year before, IIRC there were stalls down New Street from the Town Hall to Tesco Metro, like the Farmers market.

I'm happy to contribute to costs, but I'll also bring some flyers of my own.

No idea about the New Street thing, there's some info on the site but it only really applies to participants:

http://www.artsfest.org.uk/forms/why.php

I think the best thing to do is tell the organisers we'll be there, and send them the Press Release.

From what I can tell, the organisers are Birmingham City Council, and they know we'll be there.

We'll play it by ear protest wise.

There's a Saturday programme here for what it's worth, based on events at New Street & the Pavilions.

I didn't see Jive Aces or Cult Recruitment Hour, which is good.

There are other things than the thing on that leaflet, with loads of little groups all over Midlands promoting themselves and whatnot. so Good chance that COS have a small stall or just ppl out and about.

Able to give a couple of quid towards leaflets if needed. Have a few at home but not many.

This will be epic! :D

I'll throw you a couple of quid, 323.


::EDIT::

Just checked with 76, no emails from the police about the protest conflicting, so all is go.

I've just been informed (Friday 15;52 BST) that Ethel Street and New street are clear of any stalls, and everything seems to be up at Victoria Square (fairground and all).
So unless the ArtsFest organisers are gonna hand out carts/stalls on the day, we're looking good on that front.

Leaflets are copied and being sorted & cut now.

there is also some dancing going on outside the back entrance to the bullring, which i will have to depart for to go and watch for a bit...

but that shouldnt have any effect