By Rachel Jones @HMP_SHE
On Saturday a small but passionate group gathered in Southampton Guildhall square for a protest organised by the local branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (18/4/26).
Around 30 people attended, representing a wide range of ages. Though modest in number, the group demonstrated a strong sense of shared purpose, highlighting the continued importance of community voices coming together across generations and communities.
The protest began in Guildhall Square, with participants marching to the Bargate and back. Along the route, demonstrators chanted slogans expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and calling for an end to the bombing of Gaza.
The march was met with visible support from members of the public. Passers-by offered gestures of encouragement, including thumbs up, while some local shopkeepers stepped outside to watch and smile.
There was no organised far right counter-protest. Although one individual shouted angrily at the marchers, there was no engagement, and the peaceful tone of the demonstration was maintained throughout.
A small police presence was in place to ensure public safety, and the event proceeded without incident, with participants remaining respectful and orderly.
The protest concluded back at Guildhall Square with speeches from organisers, who thanked attendees and highlighted upcoming national demonstrations for those wishing to remain involved.
Southampton is a proudly multicultural city, shaped by a rich mix of communities, cultures and perspectives. Events like this reflect that diversity, showing how people from different backgrounds can come together around shared values.
Even in small numbers, there is something powerful about standing side by side in peaceful solidarity, united by a common sense of humanity.
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