Tens of thousands marched against austerity in Manchester this weekend, in a demonstration designed to coincide with the Conservative party conference.
The conduct of a small number of protesters aside, the rally was overwhelmingly peaceful, with the marchers’ conduct the subject of a series of approving tweets from Greater Manchester police.
Chief Supt John O'Hare said: "Today around 60,000 people took part in a demonstration and I would like to thank them for their cooperation."
— G M Police (@gmpolice) October 4, 2015
Ch Supt O'Hare said: "I'd like to thank organisers for taking responsibility & ensuring the demo was planned & delivered appropriately."
— G M Police (@gmpolice) October 4, 2015
Our readers were among those taking part in the protest, and we’ve put together a selection of their images and stories from the day.
On train to Manchester
Unity is strength
Fit For Work
Some of the moving moments of the march were seeing people who have clearly been affected most by the cuts.
"I can't refuse to treat those who cannot pay."
My sister is a junior doctor in the NHS. She says she and her colleagues will not be able to tolerate working in a privatised service where they are forced to turn away those who cannot pay - though if the proposed junior doctor contract goes through she will be forced to quit long before facing such a choice, as the dramatic cut to her already meagre trainee income will mean she can no afford the mortgage repayments necessary to keep a roof over her and her kids' heads. Indeed many good young doctors will exit a service already stretched to the limit by staff and funding shortages.
Manchester Greenpeace group at anti-austerity protest
Manchester Greenpeace calling fro a ban on fracking and a drive for clean energy at Manchester anti-austerity protest
Bolton against bedroom tax
Photograph of one of our group members at the Manchester AntiAusterity protest march happening right now. We are from the Bolton Against Bedroomtax campaign @BBEDTAX
Natalie with Sunderland Greens in Manchester
Rachel Featherstone of Sunderland Green Party with Natalie Bennett in the crowd outside the Tory conference
pig-headed protestor
Pig-Gate proved to be something of a theme at the TUC March and Rally in Manchestr
Northern Poorhouse
Spotted at the end of the march
Teresa May Surprise Appearance
One of my favourite signs of the march
"Don't Bomb Syria" Anti-Austerity Protest, Manchester UK.
Protester signs petition at Anti-Austerity Protest in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Badgers against the Tories
My daughter Eve protesting on behalf of the Badgers.
N.H.S.
the event was very peaceful, everyone had a common cause.
austerity demonstration manchester october 4th 2015
Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg soundchecks before the TUC March in Manchester
This Picnic Is Political
Two women just camping out on the skirts of the protest route.
