A walking tour exploring the concept and causes of protest and the sites of uprisings, confrontations & disorder through the ages

To precede the evening appreance of Jonathan Pie at Leeds City Varieties.

Why do people protest? Why do riots happen? What examples do we have from the history of Leeds? Where are the sites of most intense activism and engagement between the disaffected and the forces of authority? How have rights to protest and reactions of those in power been altered over the years - including right up to the present day?

When people take to the streets, speak up and draw attention to a cause, it's usually about a sense of injustice, of an abuse of power, of a need for reform or more. Are they outlaws or agents of social (r)evolution?

It’s not all about huge crowds marching in the streets loudly demanding change or resenting it. There are also subtler kinds of protest and resistance. Music, silence, writing and art have all been used for centuries to draw attention to inequities and to present possibilities for different futures.

We’ll explore examples of spontaneous and planned public demonstrations, peaceful and threatening crowds, quick wins, brutal put-downs and long, patient campaigns that eventually bear fruit.

Meet on the main steps of Leeds Civic Hall, Millennium Square

The tour will finish not far from the City Varieties and will enable participants to find refreshments ahead of the evening performance.

Image credit: Extinction Rebellion July 2019

A question on a paving stone close to The Royal Armouries, Leeds

A cartoon of 'Lady Ludd' dating from the early 19th century period of unrest stimulated by the perceived threat represented by mechanisation of industry.

Description supplied by the event organiser.