Stop Portland Incinerator Campaign (SPIC) are hosting a community and fundraising event at the Little Ship pub on Portland this Saturday, 13th June. Among bands and artists to take to the stage from 2pm will be internationally renowned singer-songwriter Billy Bragg due on stage at 5pm.
Billy, who is taking time out of a summer of musical events to attend, explained: “For me it was an easy decision to get involved with the Protestival. I’m proud to support this community and lend my weight to the fight – we must make sure that the people of Portland, Weymouth and surrounding areas never have to inhale its toxic fumes and that this stain on our beautiful coast never gets built.”
In addition to music, there will be art activities for adults and kids, including ‘good graffiti,’ shell painting and banner making. An auction will be held of a bottle of champagne with an interesting connection to Bill Reeves, CEO of Portland Port, key backers of the proposed incinerator. There will also be a large raffle with a wide selection of items donated from the community. The funds raised will be spent on trying to prevent the development from progressing. The weather forecast looks beautiful and sunny and there will be a barbecue, including a vegan option, in addition to drinks from the pub.
The Protestival comes at a time when the local community is awaiting a decision from the Environment Agency regarding Powerfuel’s application to burn a further 67 categories of waste, including some acknowledged as containing harmful chemicals such as forever chemical (PFAS). SPIC has been continuing to work to monitor the air quality in the surrounding areas and efforts to dissuade potential investors have been continuing. A recent ‘war of words’ played out in the Dorset Echo, between the Council Leader, Nick Ireland and the developers points to a road ahead which is far from smooth.
Etienne Stott from SPIC said, “We’re looking forward to the Protestival – music, art and culture are a great way to reach people who may not have heard about our battle against this heinous burner. In a way, it is an antidote to the continued shadow that the thoughtless developers continue to cast over our future.”
