Extinction Rebellion South West’s Protestival at the end of May was everything we’d hoped for – and more.
A return to the community and passion we associate with Extinction Rebellion and a callfor increasing action as the climate and ecological crises worsen – all delivered with XR’s creative flare.
The workshops were inspiring, perfectly balancing the need for training and a regenerative culture. Trainings included De-escalation & Well being, Introduction to Protest Liaison and Emergent Dialogue: Outgrowing Modernity; regenerative workshops ranged from Willow Weaving and Mask Making to Sew It, Don’t Throw it; there was a training on the Climate Fresk educational tool; and activities such as XR Singing, drumming practice, Mindful Yoga and Qigong.
The exceptional evening entertainment included the ever-excellent Pete the Temp, Nora Ireland and her acrobatics troupe, A Band Named Brian and Kimwei & Band.

‘Far exceeded our expectations’ and ‘A beautiful thing’ were among the positive comments
received.

Even the venue hosts were impressed: ‘A massive thank you for leaving the site
immaculate… The level of respect I felt was very much appreciated – am so pleased you and the Dodo are back next year!’

The event ended with a People’s Assembly focusing on XR’s three demands and a briefing on the London actions planned for this September.

Now we need to build on this momentum

Protestival played a big part in the decentralised Spring phase of XRUK’s A Trilogy For 2026 campaign, which began last winter with ‘The Door’.

As we closed the door on 2025, we looked back. Despite our best efforts, XR’s demands have not been met. Global temperatures have hit 1.5ºC of warming already – and those in power have failed us. We have just sweltered our way through the warmest June on record for England, and the second warmest for the UK as a whole. Mean temperatures reached 17.1ºC – nearly 3ºC above average – and the UK’s highest June temperature was recorded: 37.7ºC on Friday 26 June 2026 at Lingwood, Norfolk, smashing the previous high of 35.6ºC (96F) set in 1957 and equalled in 1976. Next, we looked forward to 2026, knowing that XR must ACT NOW to bring about change.

Protestival was part of this, with regions and nations organising their own gatherings so we can DECIDE TOGETHER how to achieve this.
Now we look ahead to Part 3 – our Love & Rage event in London this September. This will take place from Saturday 12th to Monday 14th (exact location to be advised). The weekend will focus on community building and up-skilling rebels; the Monday will about action as we pressure those in power to TELL THE TRUTH.

Save the dates – and join the Love & Rage Telegram chat for news and updates: https://t.me/+LalFzvJTJ41jYmQ0

And there’s plenty to be doing before then.

Many local groups are supporting the National Emergency Briefing initiative, either organising – or helping to organise – screenings of the People’s Emergency Briefing film.

XR local groups continue to lend impactful support to campaigns in their regions. XR BCP in Dorset have been passionate opponents of the appeal against plans for a mega-polluting incinerator in Canford. XR Bristol has been a powerful voice against plans for airport expansion in the city, including supporting the Save Felton Common campaign against erecting landing lights across this green space.

The Insure Our Survival campaign is using sustained direct action to persuade insurers to veto all oil, gas and coal expansion projects. On 29 June, activists in Exeter disrupted the keynote speech at Exeter Climate Forum, the UK’s largest climate science conference, to demand that the university cuts its ties with Howden Insurance, the main sponsor of the event. And as the temperature gauge rises Heat Strike protests have been taking place around the country.

Details about upcoming XR actions, social events, trainings and more can be found on the XRUK map – check it to find out what’s happening near you. Go to: https://extinctionrebellion.uk/act-now/events/

Love & rage.