This is a film by Jemima Stubbs which documents the light wave vigil that was held by activist group ‘Reclaim Our Sea’ on 19th November 2022 at Saltburn Pier. This was intended as a protest against the dredging of the River Tees, which saw contaminated sediment being dumped off the Redcar coastline, followed by thousands of marine life washing up dead onto the shores of the North East. The lights were used to represent a vigil to all the sea creatures which lost their lives. Protesters are...

This is a film by Jemima Stubbs which documents the light wave vigil that was held by activist group ‘Reclaim Our Sea’ on 19th November 2022 at Saltburn Pier. This was intended as a protest against the dredging of the River Tees, which saw contaminated sediment being dumped off the Redcar coastline, followed by thousands of marine life washing up dead onto the shores of the North East. The lights were used to represent a vigil to all the sea creatures which lost their lives. Protesters are shown gathering around the seaside shops at Saltburn Pier at night, holding light-up umbrellas and lanterns in the shape of sea life such as jellyfish and seahorses. A protester shouts a motivational speech into a megaphone. The protesters walk down the pier, showcasing more illuminated lanterns, fairy lights, glow sticks and illuminated dog collars. The protest leader continues talking to the crowd through the megaphone. The crowd erupts into applause. A line of protesters down the railings of Saltburn Pier create a beautiful light wave (in the style of a Mexican wave) with the lights they are holding, which is viewed from the sky. Some younger children run down the line of people, keeping up with the wave. The protest leader continues talking to the crowd through the megaphone. In the darkness, the shape of a crab is formed from the lights that people are holding in the air. The crowd from above the pier carry the lanterns in the shape of sea creatures down to the beach, to meet the other crowd of people who have created the crab formation from the lights. The crowds start chanting and banging drums. The colourful crab formation created from the lights and the lanterns is shown from above. Captions ‘A VIGIL FOR THE DEAD SEA LIFE ON OUR COAST’, ‘#PAUSETHEDREDGE’ and the Reclaim Our Sea Facebook page appear.