Roy Hackett: family releases funeral details and procession route

Bristol residents have been invited to the funeral of Roy Hackett MBE, the community activist who helped orchestrate the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott.

Mr Hackett, who died on August 2, aged 93, helped pave the way for the Race Relations Act 1965 for his role in the bus boycott which called on people across the city to stop boarding services provided by Bristol Omnibus Company due to its refusal to hire black and Asian people.

Roy’s family has invited the public to join them in celebrating his life tomorrow (September 16).

The remembrance event will take place at Elim Church, on Jamaica Street, from 11am.

This will be followed by the burial at South Bristol Cemetery with a wake at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.

Before the funeral, a cortege for the community elder will begin at James Street in St Werburgh’s at 9.45am and depart at 10am, going on to weave through Sevier Street and into St Paul’s.

The cortege will continue along Sussex Place, Ashley Road and the Malcolm X Centre before Arriving at Stokes Croft.

The procession will head down to the Bearpit and pass Bristol Bus Station before making its way to the funeral.

Mr Hackett was awarded an MBE in 2020 for his lifelong fight against racism.

Roy, who once said he was “born an activist”, grew up in Kingston, Jamaica before moving to Britain in 1952.

He also co-founded the Commonwealth Coordinated Committee, which would later found St Paul’s Carnival in 1968.

Anyone seeking further information about the day should call Adams Funeral Directors on 07860555133 or email [email protected]