An experimental film shot over a six-month period between December 2018 and June 2019 of people and activities taking place around Grey’s Monument in central Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Recorded on a variety of mobile phones and cameras, the film captures both the mundane and extraordinary taking place around with the monument considered by many locals as a ‘speakers corner’ where debate and discussion are allowed. Captured in this film a climate protest by local children, an anti-fascist...

An experimental film shot over a six-month period between December 2018 and June 2019 of people and activities taking place around Grey’s Monument in central Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Recorded on a variety of mobile phones and cameras, the film captures both the mundane and extraordinary taking place around with the monument considered by many locals as a ‘speakers corner’ where debate and discussion are allowed. Captured in this film a climate protest by local children, an anti-fascist demonstration featuring Newcastle Labour MP Chi Onwurah and a protest against the visit by then President Donald Trump to the United Kingdom. Title: The Monument, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Monday, 3rd December, 2018 crowds of shoppers wonder past the various stalls set up for the German themed Christmas market around the base of Grey’s Monument on Grainger Street in Newcastle. Monday, 7th December, 2018 a ‘Rock Choir’ perform Billy Joel’s ‘Uptown Girl’ from steps in front of Grey’s Monument. Monday, 25th February, 2019 pedestrians both old and young walk past Grey’s Monument while others sit on the steps relaxing or waiting for someone. Market stalls have been erected along Grainge Street; a busker plays an electric guitar beside the entrance to the Tyne & Wear Metro station on Grey Street. Friday, 15th March, 2019 local school children take part in a climate change ‘Strike’. Some of the children hold banners, they all shout ‘Our Planet!”. Wednesday, 20th March, 2019 pedestrian pass a Big Issues saleswoman as they pass Grey’s Monuments. Saturday, 30th March, 2019 a Palestine Support Group have set up tables and Palestinian flags around the base of Grey’s Monument, one of the group hands out leaflets to those passing by. Saturday, 6th April, 2019 a counter demonstration against North East Frontline Patriots by Newcastle Unites Anti-Discrimination group. Police both on the ground and on horseback separate the two sides, amongst the counter demonstrators is Newcastle Labour MP Chi Onwurah. Wednesday, 10th April, 2019 a Deliveroo rider speeds past Grey’s Monument, pedestrians pass in all directions. Sunday, 14th April, 2019 a busker sings beside the Metro station entrance on Grey Street out of which pedestrians emerge. Saturday, 4th May, 2019 and the Tyne & Wear May Day rally, a large banner for the event resting against Grey’s Monument, while a small group gathers nearby. Adjacent to the monument outdoor tables and chairs have been set up for customers of the Charles Grey public house. Friday, 10th May, 2019 a small police presence around Grey’s Monument for the ‘Rugby Finals Festival’. Several rugby fans walk past carrying flags, others sit on inflatable seats resting against the monument. Stalls have been set up nearby and a crowd gathers around watching street performers. Monday, 13th May, 2019 and another busker performs for pedestrians passing Grey’s Monument. A Deliveroo rider checks his mobile phone for his next pick-up. Monday, 3rd June, 2019 and a protest taking place around Grey’s Monument against the American Presidents official visit to the United Kingdom. Again, tables and Palestinian flags have been set up and a man speaks into a microphone against the visit by Donald Trump. A parade of protestors walks past the monument, standing beside The Charles Grey pub three women dressed as characters from the television series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ in red gowns and medieval bonnet. Each woman carried a piece of a poster that reads ‘Keep Your Hands Off our Reproductive Right!” Friday, 14th June, 2019 and it’s raining around Grey’s Monument. A man uses a 4-wheeled rollator to assist him while a woman heads in the opposite direction with her umbrella up. A group of men in high-visibility jackets and hardhats rush past. Friday, 21st June, 2019 is the Summer Solstice and people sit around the base of Grey’s monument enjoying the sun. Nearby a busker plays a saxophone, a woman dressed as a clown walks past. Wednesday, 26th June, 2019 a small group take part in a rally to highlight inadequate residential care of people with learning difficulties and those with autism. Some of those taking part are in wheelchairs, one man holds a placard that reads ‘This is Not Right We Have Rights’. A man with a television camera walks past. End credit: Faze3films.uk. The Monument filmed on various phones and cameras.