Extinction Rebellion is planning a three-day protest in Home Park near Windsor Castle with thousands expected to attend this weekend.
The group is planning a campsite, a 'funfair', and a range of theatrical stunts to draw attention to the climate crisis.
The group has said no direct action or disruption to the public is planned - but Windsor council has said they do not support nor permit the three-day campsite in the council-run parkland.
Here's everything you need to know about the weekend of activism.
What does Extinction Rebellion have planned?
Extinction Rebellion says that supporters from groups across the United Kingdom will start gathering in Windsor Home Park on the morning of Friday August 30.
It will mark the start of "three days of creative, peaceful action to propose democratic renewal as the answer to the climate and nature emergencies," according to a spokesperson from the group.
The centrepiece of the weekend takes place on Saturday afternoon – a mass assembly or Massembly which "should be one of the largest participatory, democratic events ever held in the UK."
On Friday, the camp will open, with a "fUnfair" opening at noon. At 5:45pm, theatrical action with take place with "oil slicks and rebels in suits" on the Long Walk.
On Saturday, activists are planning to march to Windsor Castle, arriving at noon. At 2:30pm, the "Massembly" will take place on the Long Walk, finishing at 5:30pm. The "fUnfair" will re-open at 6pm.
On Sunday, another march will leave the camp at 10am, arriving at Castle Gates at 11am for speakers, training sessions, art blocking, and music. The camp will begin packing up at 2:45pm.
The weekend is set to end with a litter pick at 4:30pm.
Sixty or more, Extinction Rebellion Samba-fusion rebels from across the UK are coming to Windsor.
— Extinction Rebellion UK 🌍 (@XRebellionUK) August 28, 2024
This weekend we focus on our broken democracy and our demand for Citizens’ Assemblies.
#UpgradeDemocracy #Democracy #CitizensAssembly #ExtinctionRebellion #XRUK pic.twitter.com/6h6GSeshEp
Will Extinction Rebellion attempt to storm Windsor Castle?
Regarding the "misinformation" circulated by MailOnline and amplified by other sections of the press, Extinction Rebellion has said does not have any plans to storm the castle.
Spokesperson Marijn van de Geer said: “Extinction Rebellion UK does not have any plans to storm Windsor castle, any hotels nor cause public disruption during our three day event ‘Upgrade Democracy’ in Windsor. "
They added: "This gathering is about uniting communities for positive change, not disruption or alienation.”
There are reports of additional fencing and barriers being put up around the castle ahead of this weekend's event.
Will any roads be closed for the event?
We have asked both the police and the council about road closures.
None have been reported so far.
Will King Charles be staying at Windsor Castle this weekend?
The King is not expected to be staying at Windsor Castle this weekend.
It has been reported that he is currently on holiday in Scotland.
Catherine Bartlett, of Extinction Rebellion UK, said: "Windsor Castle has been chosen as an embodiment of a broken and unjust system where our message will resonate powerfully."
A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion said that "His Majesty and all people of good hearts and good conscience" are invited to join the weekend of activism.
What measures are the council and police taking?
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has said the local authority does not support nor permit the campsite on the council-run Home Park.
A council spokesperson said: “We are continuing to engage with the organisers, having made it clear that their plans for a festival with overnight camping in Home Park do not have permission. We will continue to monitor the situation with our partners to ensure the safety of those in attendance and take action where needed.”
Thames Valley Police has said it has been in contact with Extinction Rebellion to support peaceful protest - but law-breakers will be dealt with "robustly."
A spokesperson said: “We have been in contact with the organisers and are working closely with partners to deliver a comprehensive plan, facilitating peaceful protest and ensuring the safety of all those in attendance and other members of the public.
"We will not tolerate criminal behaviour and those choosing to commit offences can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”
The Conservative MP for Windsor, Jack Rankin, has said the groups has "every right to conduct a peaceful protest" - but he has called for swift action if the event overruns or spreads beyond the planned site.
In a statement, the MP said: "It is my view that if those involved go beyond the approved space in the park or beyond the timeframe which they have been made welcome then action should be taken. To my understanding, overstaying their welcome as planned would not be a criminal offence.
"I call on the Royal Borough to prepare to take that legal action now, such that action could be taken as quickly as possible if necessary."
How will activist be travelling to Windsor?
"Trains, buses, quite a lot of them will be walking," according to a group spokesperson on social media.
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