Frome Blackbirds attract worldwide media attention

MEMBERS of Frome Extinction Rebellion took a message to the world leaders gathered at Carbis Bay for the G7 summit last weekend.  

The group report, “Nine blackbirds and their human spokesperson joined the action to ‘Sound the Alarm’ about the ecological crisis. The blackbirds were a hit with the world media appearing in both German and Spanish newspapers as well as news and tv in Britain. The stark and beautiful black and yellow costumes designed by Dulcie Best, a costume designer and owner of Popicoq in Frome, stood out in the protests in St Ives and Falmouth. 

Jenny Shackleford, one of the birds, said “The blackbird  motif was chosen because people are familiar with the alarm call of the blackbird when it is threatened, such as when a cat arrives in the garden. The message of the blackbirds was that we all need to listen to nature and ask our leaders to take action to halt the decline of our ecological systems.” 

Annabelle Macfadyen, the choreographer, added that “People see blackbirds with affection and the threat of losing these or any other birds is emotive and powerful.” 

The group add, “Those who stopped in the streets to watch the blackbirds were clearly moved by their message and joined in with the blackbird’s alarm call directed towards G7 leaders at Carbis bay.  

“The blackbirds of Frome Extinction Rebellion were part of a wider presence of environmental groups in Cornwall calling on G7 leaders to step up their ambition and make good their promises on Climate Change and the ecological crisis. The message was ‘We’re drowning in promises; Act now!’”