4th October - Update 1

This is the first in our weekly updates in the run up to 4^th October, with information for those participating and requests for information and support. The main areas for action in this update are requests for stewards and estimates of numbers.

Form up from 12 noon

The march will form up along Oxford Road from the main stage area at All Saints Park. Due to expected numbers the form up will extend down Oxford Road where large screens and PA systems will be installed every 100 metres to ensure the maximum number of participants can enjoy the pre-march rally. Form up order will be confirmed in due course and this will be clearly marked along the route on the day.

Rally from 12:30pm

The rally commence with music from 12.30pm. Speakers will begin at 1pm. The first part of the rally will take place while the march is static and at 1.30pm the march will move off. Speeches and music will continue as the march progresses down Oxford Road and passes the stage, meaning that participants towards the back of the march also get a chance to hear contributions as they are moving off.

March Route

The route has been confirmed. It is:

March down Oxford Road to Portland Street

Turn right into Portland Street to the junction with Princess Street

Turn left into Princess Street and follow until Albert Square

Follow left around Albert Square to Southmill Street

Bear right into Southmill Street to Junction with Peter Street.

Turn right into Peter Street to junction with Deansgate

Turn left into Deansgate to finish at junction with Liverpool Road

Rally Viewing Point/Short March

For those with disabilities, we have made arrangements for viewing the rally and joining in with the march. These are:

For those who wish to view the rally there will be a drop off area in Cavendish Street adjacent to All Saints Park, with drop down kerb if required and a viewing area designated at the front of the stage. Access permits for vehicles will be required. Signers will be provided at the rally.

Participants may then join the march from this point. The total length of the march 1.5 miles

If participants require a shorter march route, then accessible transport will be provided from Cavendish Street, to Albert Square at the junction with Clarence Street. Disabled toilets are available in Albert Square, as are accessible refreshment venues. Once the march reaches Albert Square participants will be assisted by stewards to join the march as it proceeds and passes the party conference secure areas. The distance to the end of the march from this point is approximately 0.5 miles

Full details will be posted to the website and any disabled participants are encouraged to have a look at the options available, in advance of the march and make the necessary requests for transport or permits.

Stewarding

The safety and success of the event will not only depend on the numbers attending but ensuring we have an adequate number of stewards to cover the march and rally. We require unions to provide route stewards, to march with their delegation on the outside of their block and senior stewards who may assist route stewards or be asked to work on key areas of the rally and march. We anticipate that for every 150 marchers, one route steward is required, and that for every 12 route stewards, one senior steward is required. Unions are asked to provide names and contact details of these stewards by 16^th September, emailing jmckenna@tuc.org.uk with:

Name

Union

Email Address

Mobile Number

Estimated Numbers of Participants and Coaches

For the purposes of planning, we need estimated numbers of those who will be participating on the day. If you could send estimates, along with transport booked (numbers of coaches, trains etc) to Lynn Collins on lcollins@tuc.org.uk by 16^th September.

Leaflets/Placards/Logos

We have had leaflets (single and double sided) and placards designed for promotion of the march and use on the day. All leaflets, placards and logos can be found on the TUC Website for download at https://www.tuc.org.uk/about-tuc/no-austerity-yes-workers-rights-download-materials-4-october-rally-and-march Contact details are also available there if you wish for a custom design.

We have had 50,000 leaflets printed and these are being distributed to those who have asked for them, for advance promotion of the march. If you would like some of these, please email Jay McKenna in the North West office on jmckenna@tuc.org.uk

Transport

Coach Drop Off and Pick Up

Coaches are asked to drop off participants in the streets surrounding Oxford Road. An exact location for coach drop off will be posted to the website and circulated to coach organisers who have provided contact information at least one week before the march once agreed with Police and Highways. Coaches will then be directed to park in Liverpool Road, Lower Byrom Street and Water Street, close to the end of the march for pick up and dispersal. Should coach numbers exceed planned numbers, a second coach parking and pickup area is designated in City Road East and Great Jackson Street. Coach drivers/organisers will be given a pack on arrival at drop off which advises of their coach parking and pick up point. These pick up points will be signposted at the march finish for participants.

Coach Bookings

We will be advertising coaches on the TUC website. Those who wish to advertise coaches are asked to email Jay McKenna on jmckenna@tuc.org.uk with the following information:

Coach Organiser (E.g Union name and Branch, Trades Council, Campaign Group)

Contact Name

Contact number/email

Description (who it’s for – members, community, anyone)

Departure address (including postcode)

Departure time

Additional Pick up Points (if any)

Cost

Trains

If you are planning to use a Chartered Train, could you please email Jay McKenna jmckenna@tuc.org.uk with it’s expected arrival time into Manchester and anticipated  passenger numbers for planning.

The nearest train station to the form up point is Manchester Oxford Road. Those travelling by train and walking to the rally and form up point are asked to use Upper Brook Street and Higher Cambridge Street before accessing Oxford Road. This is to avoid congestion at the front of the rally area.