By Adnan Chaudy, Southampton Stand Up To Racism.
When Southampton stands together, we show what real community looks like.
Last month, hundreds of local people — proud, diverse, and united — took to the streets for our Unity Demonstration against the far-right rally, which had been billed by its organisers as “the biggest anti-immigration demonstration outside London” (26/10/25).
What they got instead was a powerful show of solidarity from a city that refuses to be divided by hate.
Hundreds of Southampton people — glorious in their diversity — marched shoulder to shoulder to show that hatred and intimidation have no place in our city. The peaceful, determined mobilisation brought together communities, faith groups, trade unionists, and anti-racist campaigners, all standing united to defend the values that make Southampton strong.
Despite the far right’s online hype, including Tommy Robinson and others calling for supporters to attend, they could muster only around 400 people, according to Police and BBC News. In contrast, far more locals joined our Unity Demonstration, proving that solidarity and compassion are far stronger than fear and division.
It is a sad disappointment, however, that the organisers of this display of hatred and misrepresentation were allowed to erect a sound stage and other infrastructure in Hoglands Park — yards from the memorial to those who died in the Southampton Blitz, including in a direct hit on a shelter in the park, when Britain and its allies fought against fascism. The irony was stark: a hate rally taking place in the very spot where Southampton once stood firm against fascism.
But we cannot take this as the end of it. The far right are not going away — and we must not allow them to grow or normalise their presence. What happened last month shows what works: organisation, community power, and unity in action.
Building on this momentum, Southampton Stand Up To Racism is already planning a celebratory event before Christmas to highlight the city as a City of Sanctuary and to share positive stories of refugees and migrants who make our city stronger.
We want more people to get involved! Follow Southampton Stand Up To Racism on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with our activities and forthcoming events. You may have ideas about future campaigns — and we’d love to hear them and work with you to make a real difference in our city. Every person who joins helps make Southampton a stronger, fairer, and more welcoming place for all.
Last month showed the best of who we are: peaceful, proud, and united. This is what community looks like.
We Are Southampton. We Stand Together. Always.
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