Hundreds of people are expected to gather in Portishead this week in an ‘act of solidarity’ for Black Lives Matter.
The event is being organised at the town’s Lake Grounds, on the main field, on Wednesday, June 10, from 5.30pm.
People will be given the opportunity to take the knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds in memory of George Floyd.
A local vicar will be leading a prayer and organiser Chloe Howarth will be giving a speech.
People will be asked to adhere to social distance guidelines during the event.
Chloe said: “I have organised this for the people of Portishead to show solidarity locally.
“It’s a conversation that’s needed to be had in this town for a long time.
“We aren’t a diverse town and many are wilfully ignorant to the fact racism is still very prevalent in this country.
“It’s not just an issue that should be addressed in major cities but in every small town and villages to create change in places that otherwise would be complacent.
“We will be adhering to social distancing guidelines and we have the police’s full support.
“I have encouraged everybody who is from separate households to kneel two to three meters apart and I have encouraged everybody to wear masks.”
The act of solidarity comes after an estimated 10,000 people gathered in Bristol on Sunday for a Black Lives Matters protest.
Public health bosses in North Somerset have urged those attending the event to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
North Somerset Council's director of public health Matt Lenny said: "While we are extremely supportive of the Black Lives Matter movement we also have concerns about large groups of people coming together during the current pandemic.
"We will continue to work with our local community in order to promote all of the essential behaviours in helping to limit the spread of the virus including good hygiene, effective social distancing and quick reporting of any signs of infection through self-isolation and requesting a test."
