Extinction Rebellion cancels Pontefract march over coronavirus

The group had planned a pilgrimage through the town centre, which was due to take place tomorrow (Saturday, March 21).

The march had been designed to mimic the 1536 Pilgrimage of Grace, which saw lawyer Robert Aske lead 40,000 Yorkshire rebels from York to Pontefract.

On arrival, the rebels captured Pontefract Castle and made their demands to the government, known as the Pontefract Articles. They later marched to Doncaster.

Members of Extinction Rebellion had planned to dress in Tudor costume, accompanied by black-robed mourners, for the event later this month, where they hoped to present their own demands, known as the 2020 Pontefract Articles.

But they have now made the decision to postpone the event, alongside their usual meetings, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Confirming this in a Facebook post, Extinction Rebellion Pontefract said: "After conversations with other members, following the lead from other local groups, and based on national XR guidance, there will be NO weekly meeting on Tuesday 17th March for Pontefract XR.

"Future meetings will also be postponed until further notice in order to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Similarly, actions will be postponed until more is known about the pandemic over the next few weeks."