People's Summit: the People Power Site

One of the most positive aspects of the People's Summit (organised as a 'real' alternative to the G8 Summit) was the People's Power Site. The Site was located on a small area of previously waste ground that has been earmarked for the construction of luxury flats. Funded by the New Economics Foundation and organised by Radical Routes (the 'co-op of radical co-ops'), the site was constructed by volunteers who had just half a week to turn the site into a Green vision.

If you weren't able to visit, here's what you missed! The alternative job centre (Green Party), a permaculture garden, a straw-bale house (built in one day), a solar powered cinema, a solar powered Hungarian folk group (the Bagdaddies), a vegetarian cafe (Bumblebee Cafe) and many other displays and workshops organised by various people (including Birmingham FOE -Ed). Sorry if I've missed anything out.

The People Power Site was a refreshing contrast to the sorry efforts of the G8 assembly who not only dismissed calls for an end or reduction to third world debt but concluded their Summit by re-affirming their commitment to globalisation.

David Dugmore