The Wave

The Wave yesterday was a great day out. It all started off with a simple ecumenical service in Central Hall Westminster. The hall itself was at full capacity and several hundred were prevented from joining the 2000+ people inside. After the service folks headed up to the start point in Grosvenor Square. With everybody spread around the edge, it wasn't easy to get an idea how large the march was. Leading the way was an open-topped campaign bus with a girl leading some chants. I would like to say she was doing a great job, but her voice was getting hoarse and it was actually quite abrasive. (maybe that's the point?) I decided to stay quite mobile and managed to find the Methodist President and Vice President near the front. The march drew to a close around Parliament, but on both sides of the river. Once this giant loop had been brought together I decided to track down some of my friends. As they were near the back I headed towards the start point on my bike only to find the end of the march was still over a mile away, outside Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly. That's impressive! With my event manager hat on, I estimated over 50,000, so it was a little frustrating to have the figure of 20,000 quoted by the police. (I am guessing they didn't want to admit that they only prepared for that number, and a few more turned up.) And just to remind us what we were marching for, at 4pm it started to rain. I have to confess I took cover in a pub, where I found a warming drink and a mince pie.