The activist collective known as Led By Donkeys has lifted the curtain on their headline-grabbing guerrilla campaigns during an exclusive Guardian Live event at Walthamstow's Soho Theatre. The group, which has become famous for its bold political interventions, shared intimate details about their origins and methodology with journalist Zoe Williams and a captivated audience.
From Humble Beginnings to Major Interventions
Oliver Knowles of Led By Donkeys took centre stage to explain how the group first came together, revealing the organic nature of their formation. What began as a small gathering of concerned citizens has evolved into one of Britain's most recognisable activist organisations, known for tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time.
The group's campaign portfolio is impressively diverse, spanning everything from Brexit and the Covid crisis to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Their ability to adapt to different political landscapes while maintaining their distinctive approach has made them a persistent thorn in the side of the establishment.
The Mechanics Behind the Mayhem
James Sadri and Ben Stewart provided fascinating insights into the organisation and execution of some of the group's most famous interventions. They explained the careful planning and coordination required to pull off their ambitious projects, which often involve complex logistics and meticulous timing.
The stage itself became a testament to their work, with hundreds of red pens from their National Covid Memorial Wall installation spilling across the platform. This powerful visual representation of their work served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the pandemic and the government's handling of the crisis.
Visual Activism That Captures Attention
Throughout the evening, projections showcased some of the group's most iconic actions. One particularly striking image showed the moment when Led By Donkeys painted the road outside the Russian Embassy in Ukrainian flag colours, creating a bold statement of solidarity that was impossible to ignore.
Another powerful projection featured Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein superimposed on Windsor Castle, demonstrating the group's talent for creating visually arresting imagery that connects political figures to controversial associations.
The event made clear that despite their growing profile and successful track record, Led By Donkeys consider themselves to be only just getting started. Their commitment to holding power to account through creative, attention-grabbing actions shows no signs of diminishing as they continue to adapt to new political challenges and opportunities.
The Guardian Live event, produced by Bridgette Mohammed and Maddie Earle on Monday 24 November 2025, provided a rare glimpse into the workings of one of Britain's most innovative activist groups, revealing both the passion and precision that drives their ongoing campaign for accountability and truth.
