The rain had stopped, and inside a secret location vegan dishes were being handed out to the sound of a protest briefing. It was a special night; one that had been chosen to coincide with probably the most ironic award celebration in recent history.

Southend Coucil was being awarded by British Archeology for finding the East Saxon king's burial site. It was of no consequence that this very site was to be shortly concreted and Tarmac-ed over, never to be seen again.

But 80 protestors of hugely varying ages and experience were on the march, ready to spoil the Council's "Cheese and Wine Backslappathon". And they did : the pioneers gatecrashing the party and almost setting up a second Camp Bling in front of the Mayor of Southend, whilst Parklife's alternative Mayor (the brilliant John Smith) stated that Southend had seen the error of their ways and were cancelling the road.

More teams of protesters, banners waving and in full voice, surrounded the Priory in the centre of Priory Park, and made their feelings clear. And the press had something to take photos of - far more interesting than cheese and biscuits.

The full press release is here!

Pylon.