Gscene News Archive

Following last months first year anniversary demonstration (May 9), outside the Kemptown branch of Starbucks coffee shop, New York-based performance artists Reverend Billy and the Life After Shopping Gospel Choir are coming to Brighton this Monday to add their voices to those helping to keep the community vibrant, local and sustainable by opposing the Starbucks coffee shop breaching planning regulations and remaining open to sell coffee.

Since 1996 Rev Billy has expanded from a one-man performance artist ‘preaching’ against consumerism on the sidewalks of Times Square to a 35-person choir and 7-person band with dozens of original songs, a critically acclaimed stage show, a major motion picture and multiple media platforms.

Banned from every Starbucks in the USA, they are coming to spread their gospel of sustainable consumption, strong local economies and access to public space and free speech in Brighton, UK.

The action takes place to highlight the public inquiry into the Starbucks, Kemptown branch, due to take place on June 10.

The protest takes place at 4.30pm outside Starbucks on St James’s Street and is organised by the Brighton Against Starbucks protest group.

Starbucks opened their St James Street coffee shop in May 2008 despite being refused planning permission by Brighton and Hove Council.

Starbucks supported LGBT Brighton by making a substantial donation to the 2008 Pride Street Party.