With media predictions of mayhem and general chaos, the “Financial Fouls Day” started wrapped in a climate of fear and expectancy throughout the square mile of the London Financial District. The true atmosphere of the 1st April, 2009 could not have been further away from this media forecast.

The protests, organized by several independent organizations and joined by thousands of people prior to the G20 summit in London, were in general peaceful with only an occasional focus of violence, directed mainly at buildings which housed financial institutions.

The carnival-like nature of the “G20 Meltdown”—a protest group concentrating on surrounding the Bank of England and the “Climate Camp”—set up at the door of the European Climate Exchange in Bishopsgate, succeeded in bringing the surrounding areas of the city to a standstill. This is where the so-called chaos ended. Banners, tents, music, homemade food, workshops and masses of cheerful, yet steadfast people invaded the Square Mile bringing a relaxed quality to the day. The main exception to this scene was the police, who clearly maintained the crowd with an overbearing iron fist—in complete contrast from what was actually happening in the streets. By creating a tight siege around these events, the police tactics were a catalyst for much of the anger and frustration that was seen towards the end of the day.

Working mainly in reportage and documentary photography, London-based photographer Armando Ribeiro’s work covers environmental, social and human related issues. He has published works and exhibited in several countries across Europe. He’s now represented by VIA-Visuals.

Copyright Last Exit 2009