Popularised in the US, 420 is a day that sees cannabis smokers celebrate the drug and it seems several protesters have decided to join in
WEED best get going! Protesters FINALLY move from Oxford Circus to walk to nearby Hyde Park for pro-cannabis party after police fail to shift them for five days
Climate change protesters at Oxford Circus in London have finally been moved on by police officers – only to go to Hyde Park instead, where thousands are celebrating an international cannabis day.
Popularised in the US, 420 is a day that sees cannabis smokers celebrate the drug and it seems several protesters have decided to join in.
People were pictured with bongs at the park while climate protesters could be seen dancing and enjoying the festivities.
A MailOnline reporter on the scene said that many climate change protesters were seen leaving their stations at Oxford Circus at around the same time that the festivities started this afternoon. ADVERTISING
Signs placed on the entrance and around Hyde Park stated that ‘cannabis is illegal’ and those found in possession would be prosecuted. However, no arrests were reported to have been made, despite police being present in and around the park.
The soft approach from officers comes after more police were drafted in to deal with protesters in London this week. The force could face criticism for their approach to the 420 event which has seen many cannabis supporters descend to Hyde Park to smoke the illegal substance.
More than 30,000 people are expected to congregate in the park for the event, which is against the laws surrounding the use and possession of cannabis in the UK.
The park is expected to be busy all afternoon as people arrived early to make sure they got a spot for the inaugural 4.20pm time slot, which is said to be the best time of day to light up.
London has been hit by consecutive days of protests all over the city with 750 people having been arrested with 28 protesters charged following the six days of demonstrations.
The Met has urged protesters on both Oxford Circus and Waterloo Bridge to go to Marble Arch where they will be allowed to protest lawfully. Marble Arch sits on the corner of Hyde Park, where the 420 event is taking place this afternoon and it is thought that many of the protesters may have seeped into the park as officers closed off the roads around the Marble Arch area.
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Popularised in the US, 420 is a day that sees cannabis smokers celebrate the drug and it seems several protesters have decided to join in
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One man had a smile on his face and was pictured with a mock road sign which read: ‘Mr NICE Higher Living, Have a NICE Day, Only Smoke The Best 420
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Thousands of people gathered in the park for the event and it is thought that climate change protesters also entered the event after being ushered to Marble Arch by police
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Officers outnumbered protesters on Waterloo Bridge this evening as they started clearing away the protesters belongings
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Officers were pictured patrolling the event at Hyde Park but seemed to be turning a blind eye to those who were clearly smoking cannabis
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A sign outside of Hyde Park stated that ‘Cannabis is illegal’ and that anyone found in possession of drugs faces arrest and prosecution
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As the sun went down this evening, protesters still remained on Waterloo Bridge and had placed a sign near officers which read ‘Rebel for Life’
Those who had moved their protests on to Marble Arch were seen camping out on the pavement and roads.
Telephone boxes had also been spray painted with graffiti which read ‘vegan rebel’, while cardboard signs were also erected on the street along with plastic bottles which had been filled with different liquids.
People continued to march in the area tonight holding signs which read: ‘The livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions than transport. Go vegan 4 the environment’.
Social media users reported that police had taken to using angle grinders to remove protesters of Oxford Circus who had locked themselves down in the area.
This is while others continued to march on Waterloo Bridge despite police intervention this evening. Some women took off their tops and walked across the bridge while wearing flower headbands.