According to Bristol Anti cuts Police have estimated 20,000 people in central Bristol today.
Public sector workers across the country took to the streets today on strike regarding the governments planned changes to their pensions and pay. The centre of Bristol ground to a halt for an hour whilst marchers processed through the streets.
The march itself, through the streets of Bristol, was a peaceful affair. Many teachers and even some of their students processed through the centre from the Occupy Bristol Village to Castle Park.
Occupy Bristol protesters brought a festive atmosphere to proceedings playing cuts related protest songs through a megaphone, singing along and holding one of the biggest banners on the march saying “No Ifs No Buts No Public Pension Cuts. Supported By Occupy Bristol”
One Occupy Bristol protester gave a rousing speech to strikers as they gathered on park street, and the last speaker at the rally in Castle Park encouraged union members to support the occupation saying “we’re all on the same side”.
“Holiday atmosphere at demonstrations and pickets in Bristol. Almost everyone I’ve spoken to seems to support strike” Via @stevemorris20 Guardian Journalist
“More than 140 of about 180 schools in Bristol are shut or partially closed.” Via BBC Bristol
London breaking news here
