October 20 tips for new marchers

The March For A Future That Works is expected to bring together many thousands of trades unionists, community groups, and concerned individuals. We’ll have seasoned activists, but also plenty who’re totally new to protest. We think it’s important to be prepared, so the day is both as successful and enjoyable as possible for everyone taking part. So here are our top ten tips for any first-time marchers who’re thinking of joining us on the 20th.

• Tell everyone about it! Bring along your family, friends and colleagues to share the day. Having good company along always makes for a fun day out, and spreading the word will really boost the size of the march. How many people can you bring with you?
• Wear comfortable shoes. The full march route from Embankment to Hyde Park is nearly three miles long – and if it has been raining Hyde Park can get muddy with that many people – so wear flat shoes, trainers or boots.
• Be prepared for the weather. It’ll be quite a long day and October weather can be chilly. You might need a coat, jumper, hat, gloves, or even an umbrella! Keep an eye on the weather forecasts!
• Keep hydrated. Shops and kiosks along the route will likely be open, but you might not always be near one when you need it, so bring a bottle of water and other soft drinks to keep you refreshed. Rally catering facilities and cafes in Hyde Park are also likely to get very busy.
• Don’t go hungry. Bring a packed lunch and snacks to keep your energy up over lunch time – and if you’re marching nearer towards the back, it may be nearer tea time before you get to the rally. Cereal bars are your friend!
• Bring a rucksack. A rucksack or a bag you can wear across your body are useful for carrying things easily – and leave your hands free for flags! Don’t forget to pack any inhalers or medicine you usually take, in case you end up staying out later than you’d planned.
• Enjoy the sights.The march route will take you from the Embankment, up Whitehall and past Trafalgar Square, along Piccadilly and into Hyde Park. It’s a rare opportunity to see some of London’s key sights in a very different way, without all the traffic. Don’t worry about getting lost if you don’t know London. With that many people on the move, it’ll be very obvious where the march is going, and there will be stewards every few hundred metres to help out.
• Share the moment.If you have a camera, why not take some pictures of the day and share them with everyone? If you’ve a smartphone, you can share your pictures and updates online as it happens. Twitter users can follow @futurethatworks (hashtag will be #Oct20).
• Look after other people. Treat everyone with respect and look out for anyone who needs help or assistance on the way round. If you want to help others even more, why not volunteer to be a steward?
• Arrive on time and know your way home. Be patient – with that many marchers the march could be leaving the assembly point from 12noon to after 2 pm and possibly later. If you’re coming from within London, think about coming later rather than early, and try to join the march from the rear. If you’re coming on a coach make sure you know where the pick-up point is and what time the coach will be leaving. Check your route back to underground and overground train stations from Hyde Park. Ask the police or march stewards if you’re unsure.

Good luck! We’re looking forward to seeing you on your first march. If you’ve any particular questions about the day, check around the pages at the top of this site, or get in touch and we’ll try to help

A Future that Works