Around Halloween (and particularly afterwards when prices are reduced), horror masks and costumes (e.g. bats wigs, cloaks etc) are cheap and readily available from shops like Woolworths.

Many groups last year were running stalls on campuses or high streets to raise awareness of the Climate Change march in London, proposed Climate Change legislation (postcards to MPs), individual actions etc.

To draw attention to such stalls we had the following idea. Two or three people wearing horror masks/costumes surround someone (a child would be ideal) holding a hand-made placard reading, "DON'T LET MY FUTURE BE A HORROR STORY - ACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE NOW!"

Passers-by could be invited to hold the placard and have their photos taken (easier now that so many people have cameras on their mobiles)

2. Victim of War

We used the 'Stretcher and Body Format' for a Victim of War tableau at the Time To Go march in Manchester on 23 rd September 2006.

Carrying the stretcher, 'body' and placard was extremely easy; when folded up it could be put under someone's arm,

and it fitted neatly in the luggage rack on the train.

One great advantage was that it had impact wherever we were: on the train and carrying it through the streets of Manchester on the way to the march.

When we arrived at the rallying point, we put it down on the pavement, only to find that it has an immediate focus of attention. So we decided to station ourselves there,

adding a mourner,

who stayed absolutely still, while the other two of us gave out stickers publicising this website and responded to people's comments (universally positive). We were interviewed by a Manchester newspaper and photographed countless times (inspiring other people to adapt the idea, we hope).

We had been intending to join the march but we were still getting attention from passers-by as the last marchers left, so instead decided to have a rest. It had been intensive work, either holding the mourning position or leafletting and taking photos of other interesting costumes/placards (see photo gallery)

As we left the cafe we found ourselves facing the returning processions, and nearby found a perfect display position, draped over a few steps leading to the door of a building.

Using the additional height, as well as the staging opportunity provided by the steps, gave us even more impact and our website leafletter was able to point to the tableau as an example of creative campaigning.

We left Manchester tired but very satisfied with the impact we'd made. Every individual placard or costume had a similar effect. It's really worth putting in a bit of preparation, however simple and basic your idea. If your prop or costume is adaptable for different circumstances, so much the better.

At the very least, your colourful idea will raise the spirits of your fellow campaigners.

3. Or you could just lay your banner on the ground:

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