Classical music gives way to brollies and barricades

In the end, it wasn't energy bars, bottles of water or protective gear that sustained protesters into the night - it was determination.

Although it started earlier than expected, many protesters came prepared with food, umbrellas and goggles. Two tents were set up, signposted "The People's Toilets".

It was never intended to be violent. Chan Kin-man, one of the organisers, had earlier talked about live classical music performances to create a peaceful atmosphere for the sit-in.

But any thoughts of cellos and violins gave way to more practical needs: water bottles, metal barricades and umbrellas were what protesters grasped for as police laid siege to the crowd.

In the morning, protesters set up barricades at four locations to keep advancing officers at bay. They moved plastic barriers left behind by the authorities to Tim Mei Avenue and Lung Wui Road, spending hours trying to fill them with water. Some tied metal barriers together to block the road, attaching open umbrellas to create a shield against pepper spray.

There was an almost palpable nervousness as rumours spread about police reinforcements and movements. There were many false alarms, with protesters rushing behind the barricades before police finally moved in.