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weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus
@weareopus.bsky.social
540 followers 23 following 39 posts
Opus works to create and support responses to achieve urgent systemic change through @nowthenmag.bsky.social @festofdebate.bsky.social & more.
👉 weareopus.org
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weareopus.bsky.social
We Are Opus @weareopus.bsky.social · Jun 24
A statement from Opus on the government's decision to proscribe @palaction.bsky.social.

You can also read the full statement on our website, where all of our sources are linked.

➡️ weareopus.org/post/opus-te...

#PalestineAction
Opus team statement on the ban of Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws After their protest at RAF Brize Norton, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans to designate direct action group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Palestine Action sprayed paint on military jet engines as a protest against the UK’s complicity in Israel’s genocide. This is not terrorism. Direct action is the heartbeat of our democracy, and the government’s draconian attempt to smear Palestine Action represents a dangerous moment for civil liberties in the UK. Since the Policing Act, protest has been curtailed and police have been given more power than ever to intervene in protests, and to arrest protesters. Our government have supported Israel’s genocide both politically and materially. Keir Starmer has refused to call Israel’s actions a genocide, when the UN, Amnesty and Human Rights Watch have all done so. Recent data from Action on Armed Violence has found that the RAF have conducted more than 500 reconnaissance flights over Palestine since December 2023. The UK has sent thousands of military items to Israel since October 2023. Just days ago, a study from Harvard found that Israel has “disappeared” 377,000 Palestinians, half of them children. Research published in the Lancet estimates the death toll is 40% higher than shown in official records. Israel are committing a genocide in Palestine, and they’re doing it with the support of the UK government. Sheffield is not unconnected to this genocide. Research from the University of Sheffield is used to provide vital parts for arms for Israel. The university has received almost £100m over the past 12 years in investments from arms manufacturers. BAE Systems have opened an artillery production facility in Sheffield, further cementing the city as a major player in arms production. Palestine Action have put their own freedoms at risk to call out the complicity of the UK government in supporting a genocide. In accusing them of behaving as a terrorist group, this government is further weaponising post-9/11 legislation which criminalises and demonises Muslims. We refute the allegations that Palestine Action are terrorists, and we challenge the government’s definition of terrorism. It will soon become illegal to express any support for Palestine Action. The nature of proscription also complicates how journalists can cover the group, a startling restriction of freedom of speech. At Opus, we work to make systems change possible for a better world. We urge everyone in Sheffield and the rest of the country to agitate for Palestine Action’s right to protest, and our collective right to object to a genocide. We will continue to use our platforms to amplify groups like Palestine Action whose principled actions make a better world possible. Emergency mobilisation outside Sheffield Town Hall, Thursday 26 June, 5:30 pm
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"CMAT opened the gig in her now-iconic tour fashion: a single spotlight illuminating her at the back bar singing 'Janis Joplining' whilst the Very Sexy #CMAT Band powered ahead onstage"

@cmatbaby.bsky.social at The Octagon in #Sheffield

✍️ Sahar Ghadirian
Euphoria in motion: CMAT at the Octagon
60s glamour, whip-smart storytelling and the Very Sexy CMAT Band in tow – CMAT’s tour is a fever dream of dance, devotion and country-pop brilliance.
nowthenmagazine.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
If you haven't yet seen it, here's our report on South Yorkshire Police's decision to arrest 17 people in #Sheffield simply for holding signs, in an action described by local councillor @mineshparekh.bsky.social as "shameful".

✍️ @sammgreg.bsky.social
Palestine Action: Police in Sheffield arrest 17 peaceful protesters against genocide as outrage at free speech gag grows
36 police officers were required to arrest the anti-apartheid activists, in an episode described by a local councillor as “shameful”.
nowthenmagazine.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Before Saturday's arrests, @defendourjuries.bsky.social put out this powerful short film that explains why ordinary people are standing up for civil liberties in the face of a state-sanctioned crackdown on political protest.

It's well worth a watch ⬇️

#PalestineAction #DefendOurJuries
Who We Are | A film by Defend Our Juries | Lift The Ban
YouTube video by Defend Our Juries
www.youtube.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
South Yorkshire Police have joined police forces across the UK in launching a crackdown on the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.

In #Sheffield, several activists with @defendourjuries.bsky.social were arrested today simply for holding up a placard.

✍️ @sammgreg.bsky.social
Palestine Action: Police in Sheffield arrest 18 peaceful protesters against genocide as outrage at free speech gag grows
36 police officers were required to arrest the anti-apartheid activists, in an episode described by a local councillor as “shameful”.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
It's not a very windy day here in Sheffield, but the Palestinian flag was flying high above the Town Hall earlier to mark the UN's International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 🇵🇸

#Palestine #Sheffield #Gaza
A photo of a grand old 19th century building, with an elaborate facade and clocktower. The Palestinian flag is flying from a flagpole on the top of the building
November 29, 2025 at 10:17 AM
weareopus.bsky.social
🚨🚨🚨

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation's Ideas and Pioneers Fund has reopened.

The fund offers grants of up to £20,000 to individuals and organisations who want to explore a bold and brave idea for social change that is still forming/emerging

⏰ Hurry: applications close 2 December
Ideas and Pioneers Fund
We support individuals and groups who want to explore ideas for social change.
www.phf.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
We're super excited to see the new play from our friends at Utopia Theatre, working with @sheffieldtheatres.bsky.social, in February 🤩

Set in nineteenth century Yorubaland, #CrownOfBlood is a Yoruba retelling of Macbeth, filled with heritage, spirituality and movement.

More info and tickets ⬇️
Crown of Blood | Sheffield Theatres
'Of what use is a good man without ambition' A powerful retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth set during the civil wars of 19th-century Yorubaland. General A
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"All grief can be isolating, but I think this type of grief can be particularly isolating"

We meet the pair behind Lenny's Legacy, a #Sheffield based charity building supportive communities for bereaved parents.

✍️ @rose-mason.bsky.social
Lenny’s Legacy - Meet the Sheffield charity helping bereaved parents through their "worst nightmare"
The death of a baby or child creates barriers that leave parents isolated with their grief. Mim and Roy want to change that, by bringing bereaved parents into supportive communities in Sheffield and b...
nowthenmagazine.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"Kavanagh and his compadres take the stage in high spirits before delivering a set that combines Americana, rock, eighties prog and traditional Irish madrigal beauty in equal measure."

Kean Kavanagh at Hallamshire Hotel

✍️ Steve Hunting
Bridging the divide: Kean Kavanagh at Hallamshire Hotel
The Portlaoise-raised Irish troubadour and his band showcase new LP The County Star to brilliant effect.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"The Last Dinner Party’s lyrics often explore themes around being a woman and being queer... performed live you can see how these songs empower people, like any good friend should"

@thelastdinnerparty.bsky.social at the Octagon, #Sheffield.

✍️ Hamish Yewdall
"Sheffield, welcome to the pyre!": The Last Dinner Party at The Octagon
It’s third time lucky in Sheffield for the five-piece, prompting tears and dance moves in equal measure.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"It's really important to us: we piloted it in Glasgow a few years ago, we've been to Belfast too, and now Sheffield"

We spoke to Deb Grant and Nathan Shepherd of BBC Radio 6 Music's New Music Fix about their South Yorkshire residency taking place all this week.

#6Music #NewMusicFix
BBC Radio 6 Music's New Music Fix - "It's important for us to get under the skin of Sheffield and its music culture"
The showcase for emerging talent has landed in our city for a week-long residency.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Sheffield will keep its hard fought-for committee system of local governance, after the government U-turned on plans to force all councils across the country to adopt more centralised leadership models.

✍️ @sammgreg.bsky.social

#Sheffield #LocalDemocracy
Sheffield will be allowed to keep more democratic council system for now, following government U-turn
Labour’s Steve Reed previously said he would force the city to scrap the popular Committee System, despite being backed by two-thirds of residents in a referendum.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
Like Sheffield, Melbourne is undertaking a radical project to reimagine the city in service of people and planet – here's how 👇

✍️ Alison Whitten (first published in
@citizennetwork.bsky.social)

#Sheffield #Melbourne #DoughnutEconomics #SheffieldCityGoals #RegenMelbourne
Regen Melbourne - Like Sheffield, Melbourne is undertaking a radical project to reimagine the city in service of people and planet
Ahead of our event with Sheffield City Goals tomorrow evening, Alison Whitten tells the story of how Regen Melbourne has created an innovative framework to bring civic and natural life to the city.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"The Championship is a tough competition, it's a tough industry: the pressure's there and stress levels can go through the roof"

We sat down with @sheffieldunitedfc.bsky.social boss Chris Wilder to find out what's kept him going across a near-25 year managerial career ⚔️

#SUFC #Sheffield
Chris Wilder - "You need to keep learning, whether you're in good or bad situations"
Now Then talks to Blades boss Chris Wilder about the importance of education, motivation and attitude across his 25 years as a football manager.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"The song is about finding joy or relief in repetition, so it seemed perfect for creating these stop-motion loops"

Now Then favourites Life Aquatic Band have kindly let us premiere the video for their new single 'Stuck In The Mud' – and it's a corker 👇

#Sheffield #LifeAquaticBand #StopMotion
Life Aquatic Band - Life Aquatic Band find themselves 'Stuck In The Mud' as they share new stop-motion video
The psych-soaked Sheffield five-piece return with their danciest effort to date, and we've got an exclusive first play of their new video.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"Different landscapes inspire different types of art, and the areas around Calderdale and Pendle have always been beautifully weird places. Both of tonight's bands have roots among these trees"

English Teacher and The Orielles at Foundry in #Sheffield.

✍️ Hamish Yewdall
"Richard Hawley gave me those flowers!": English Teacher and The Orielles at Foundry
Two of the finest bands the north has produced in recent years meet in Sheffield on a raucous Saturday night.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:41 AM
weareopus.bsky.social
We've just invested £250 in @musicvenuetrust.bsky.social's brilliant initiative to help secure the future of some of the UK's best grassroots music venues, including #Sheffield's beloved Gut Level.

They're still £150k short of their target with 12 hours to go – consider investing if you can 👇
Own Our Venues 2025
Your chance to invest and help secure the very buildings that host some of the UK's iconic and community-focussed Grassroots Music Venues.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"These cuts have probably already taken about 3,000 jobs out of the local economy"

We report from the frontline as @ucuhallam.bsky.social members begin a fresh wave of strike action against @sheffieldhallamuni.bsky.social 🪧

✍️ @rose-mason.bsky.social

#Sheffield @ucu.org.uk @drjogrady.bsky.social
Sheffield Hallam staff are going on strike – but will the university listen?
This week marks the first of strike action at Sheffield Hallam. Now Then headed down to the picket line to find out why staff are choosing to swap their lanyards for placards over the next few weeks.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"This is your chance to recognise the deep challenges we face in #Sheffield and beyond, and be part of responding to them together"

We've got the full low-down on this year's @sheffieldtransformed.org, which returns to South Yorkshire later this month.

✍️ @sammgreg.bsky.social
Sheffield Transformed - Sheffield Transformed reveal line-up for 2025 festival, with organisers promising “bigger and more diverse” programme
The annual festival of left-wing politics features sessions on anti far-right organising and clean energy transitions, as well as zine-making, poetry writing and folk singing.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
“I like the way when people remix a song they take the core essence of an idea and make it tighter”

We speak to the Mercury Prize-winning English Teacher about the Yorkshire Moors, touring rituals and their new remix album featuring @fontainesdc.bsky.social and Daniel Avery.

#EnglishTeacher
English Teacher - "I wanted to flip over the table and run onstage... I had to restrain myself for the next hour!"
Lewis Whiting from the Mercury-winning English Teacher reflects on a busy year of touring and creating new music.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
festofdebate.bsky.social
Next Thursday, we're inviting the team behind Regen Melbourne – a community of more than 200 organisations committed to creating a thriving city living within our planetary boundaries – to Sheffield 🌏

Find out more at the link below, or grab a ticket ⬇

www.tickettailor.com/events/wordl...
A poster for a new event series called Sandbox. Over a beige background and an abstract image of a sandbox, it has the text "Sandbox. How cities collaborate for transformation. Sheffield x Melbourne. In conversation with Alison Whitten (Regen Melbourne) & Helen Sims (Voluntary Action Sheffield). Thu 20 Nov, 8–9:30pm, The Circle, Sheffield. Below this are the logos of Regen Melbourne, Sheffield City Goals and Opus
November 10, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
#Sheffield citizens will be able to invest in local projects to help tackle climate breakdown from December, the council have announced.

The first round of climate bonds will aim to raise £1 million for solar panels on schools – and anyone can invest from as little as £5.

✍️ @sammgreg.bsky.social
Sheffield citizens to be offered chance to invest in local climate projects by end of 2025, starting at just £5
The first round of Local Climate Bonds will aim to raise £1 million, and could fund projects from renewable energy installation to electric vehicle infrastructure.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"I like to create an experience – we cry together, laugh together and dance together"

@afriwoman.bsky.social speaks to Nigerian singer Kayefi, a powerful voice in contemporary African music, about her move to #Sheffield and her formative influences 🎤

#Nigeria #Kayefi
Kayefi - "People would ask who my designer was – I’ve had to give out some of my costumes after a performance!"
Now Then sat down for a chat with Kafeyi, whose unique performances blend contemporary African music with older forms of storytelling.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Reposted by We Are Opus
nowthenmag.bsky.social
"Recorded via the Kroustpop! label with Cornish musicians and friends from parallel and spin-off bands, Durdey describes these five songs as 'despondent ballads from an optimist'"

Steve Hunting reviews the new EP by Cornish-born, #Sheffield based songwriter Posturing ⬇️

@kroustpop.bsky.social
Posturing - Ephemera EP
Laura Durdey's exquisite EP is a mesmeric blend of wonderful, optimistic ballads combined with punctilious 'stealth sounds'.
nowthenmagazine.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:29 PM