Love Music Hate Racism

East Midlands Unite Against Fascism have called a protest against a fascist rally organised by the BNP in Derbyshire on Saturday August 16th. Despite significant local opposition - including the withdrawal of a premises (alcohol & music) licence by the local authority and police - the BNP are going ahead with their Nazi rally in the Derbyshire countryside. In previous years, BNP members were secretly filmed by BBC documentary makers singing Nazi marching songs at the event. UAF are calling on every organisation and individual opposed the BNP's attempt to hold an event aimed at stirring up race hate to protest near the rally site at Denby Lane, Codnor, Derbyshire from 9am on Sat 16th August. For a map of the protest location see http://tinyurl.com/6f8vck. More details of the protest will be released shortly.

There was an excellent, diverse and loud turnout for Saturday's LMHR/UAF demonstration and carnival parade against racism and fascism. The event is a great start in building a year-long campaign to stop the BNP gaining success in next year's Euro elections. There were LMHR and UAF groups from around the country, scores of trade union banners, and musicians present included John McClure from Reverend and the Makers, Babyshambles' Drew McConnell, UK-Iraqi rapper LowKey, Birmingham "grime theatre" group Decypher Collective, The Priscillas, The Thirst, Mecca 2 Medina, Stoke's own ska outfit Skalinski, and DJ Rugrat whipped up a storm on the decks. For photos from the day check out our flickr site, and there is also video from the day to watch - click the title of this item to have a look. Thanks to all who helped organise the event, and in particular the trade unions who sponsored it and turned out members and leaders to speak.