This event has ended.
Silent Vigil at DSEI arms fair
11 September 2023, London
Join a candlelit vigil organised by Quakers in Britain and Pax Christi on the opening eve of the arms fair, in solidarity with victims of the arms trade.
Meet at Royal Victoria DLR station at 6.30pm to gather and walk to the vigil together.
Alternatively, you can gather in Friends House courtyard at 5.25pm and travel by public transport with other Friends to Royal Victoria DLR station.
The hour-long vigil will begin at 7pm at Royal Victoria Square, near the ExCel centre, where the arms fair will take place. Please don't be late as the gates to the square may be closed after 8pm.
Practical information:
- Please bring: a candle and a suitable container (e.g. a jar); weather-appropriate clothing; any water, snacks or medication you might need; a face mask if you want to wear one; and a cushion or camping chair to sit on if needed.
- There will be stewards on hand from Quakers in Britain and Pax Christi.
- There will be no specific toilet provision for this event, but in previous years the nearby businesses have allowed use of their toilets.
- Accessibility. Royal Victoria DLR station has a lift, and more detailed information on the accessibility of the station is available here. Those with access needs are encouraged to meet at Royal Victoria DLR station rather than Friends House, as Euston station has limited accessibility.
Important: The law around protest has changed, please make sure you are informed. Visit the
Green & Black Cross website for helpful information on the changes, your rights and how to stay safe at a protest.
Information for young people attending this event:
There will be designated staff to support young people at this event.
Due to the changes in protest law we are asking those who are under 18 (and attending without a parent or guardian) to register for the vigil in advance by completing a form with their parent/s or guardians here: https://forms.quaker.org.uk/2023-dsei-arms-trade-peace-vigil-for-young-people/. This enables us to gather emergency contact information and any additional information that may help us to support you at the event.
We are also asking young people to meet us at Friends House in order to travel to the vigil by public transport together. Meet at Friends House (garden entrance) at 5.15pm. Please contact Paul Tilley (07958009744) or Jenny Baines (07762023030) on the day if you can't find us. Please arrive on time so that we can keep the group together and participate in the vigil safely.
For young people contact:
Jenny Baines
Telephone: 020 7663 1002 | 07762023030
(Contact by email: jennyb@quaker.org.uk)
More information
For more information contact:
Dixe Wills
Telephone: 02076631185