Extinction Rebellion stunned shoppers when they covered themselves in black dye to make a point about climate change and fossil fuels.
Although it was a dramatic stunt in July it was not entirely new - protest groups have been staging demos in Cornmarket for decades to grab attention for the latest cause.
Whether it’s unions lobbying for better pay and conditions, or environmentalists calling for climate change, the busy shopping street is often the chosen location.
Read again: Protesters dye themselves black in Cornmarket
Following the heatwave, climate change protesters have even more reason to get out on the streets.
But before the pandemic climate strike demonstrations were happening on a regular basis, with some pupils taking time off school.
In November 2019, Oxford Youth Strike 4 Climate organised a sit-in, focusing on businesses that ‘profit from the climate crisis’.
Protesters met at Bonn Square and plit up to target different businesses, including banks coming under fire for investing in fossil fuels.
Barclays Bank was once again a focus for Extinction Rebellion protests on Thursdsay.
A string of protests had been organised by Youth Strike 4 Climate groups nationally since February 2019, inspired by young environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg.
Read more: Why is Greggs in Cornmarket temporarily closed
Many Oxfordshire schools wrote to parents about the strikes, stressing the importance of school attendance.
On one occasion, Oxford Spires Academy gave pupils permission to attend if they had parental consent, but only if pupils signed a form pledging to be an active participant in one of the school’s eco groups.
But once the pandemic came along in 2020, the school climate strikes were put on hold.
Read more from this author
This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel