AN anti-monarchy event is being held in Bristol to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday. The Cube cinema is inviting critics of the British Empire to join them in a discussion.
And the venue in Dove Street South is hosting a ‘Big Gay Diana Party’ in the evening. The Cube Microplex describes the 3pm discussion event as 'counter programming for the Coronation' and invites 'critics of the British Empire' to eat cake and discuss 'what it really is that is being celebrated'.
Historically the monarchy was central to the British Empire and the funding of the transatlantic slave trade. Today critics see the Commonwealth as a hangover from colonialism.
READ MORE: Shocked locals spot '30 foot' phallus mown into Bath's Royal Crescent days before coronation
The discussion will be followed by a party in honour of Lady Diana, who was seen by some as a gay icon. Although she never publicly advocated for gay rights, she was reported to have been a member of a Soho gym, which catered to gay men and when she shook hands with an AIDS patient in the 1980s it was seen as ‘momentus’ for the gay community.
Diana fancy dress is 'deeply encouraged' for the party that kicks off at 8pm. The evening will include drag, film and dancing alongside a 'best-dressed' contest.
In London, a huge security operation is taking place for the Kings Coronation. Operation Golden Orb will see 11,500 officers on duty in what is seen as the largest one-day mobilisation in decades. But anti-monarchy pressure group Republic is set to protest on the day and plan to meet at Trafalgar Square in the morning.
Republic received a letter from the Home Office ahead of the protest which outlined police powers under the new Public Order Bill which will become law following Royal Assent. In response, Graham Smith from Republic, said it had met with the Metropolitan Police, which had 'no concerns' about their plans.
"It is telling that Charles, who has had no problem speaking up on various issues, has chosen not to defend democratic rights when they are being threatened in his name. Perhaps he might make it clear that he believes in the right to protest, “ added Mr Smith.
Anti-monarchy protests are planned in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh on the day of the coronation and a ‘Scrap the monarchy’ single by the Krown Jewelz is set to be released tomorrow (May 5).
Last summer three pubs in Easton joined forces and held an ‘anti-jubilee’ festival as an alternative to Union flag bunting filled street parties. On this occasion it appears that The Cube is the only venue in Bristol to officially mark the occasion with a critical stance.
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