A Preston branch of the national grassroots organisation Stand Up To Racism is launching.

Stand Up To Racism brings together community members, trade unionists, faith groups, MPs and more to unite against racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and the far right.

The newly-established Preston branch is a group of people from different backgrounds, who share a common cause of wanting to combat racism and fascism in the UK.

Group chair Peter set up the first group meeting after taking details at a demonstration in August. The group has an active chat and holds regular meetings where they discuss news, collaborate with other local groups, share ideas and plan events.

Members include people from Preston Independents, Windrush Initiatives CIC, and Chorley Council, as well as Preston and South Ribble residents.

A free, family-friendly launch event – Love Music Combat Racism – will take place in The Old Black Bull on Friargate on Saturday 9 November.

We spoke to group member Rosie to find out more.

How did the Preston branch of Stand Up To Racism come about?

Our group formed in August, following the far-right riots that have been taking place around the country. A group of local organisations set up an anti-fascist demonstration on Friargate on 10 August where many of us met for the first time.

Organised by Preston Independents, Children of the Ghetto and Preston Trades Council among others, the event ‘Preston United Against Fascism and Racism’ had a number of speakers including faith leaders, trade union representatives and political party members, presented by Isa Cole.

What do you stand for as a group, and what do you hope to achieve?

We have four main aims as a group – to oppose far-right organisations and gatherings in Preston and South Ribble; promote inclusivity, tolerance, peace and understanding; educate as to why racism is so damaging and how we can combat it; and organise local events and get involved with the wider Stand Up To Racism movement.

Why is Stand Up To Racism needed in our city?

There has been a concerning rise in far-right violence in recent months around the UK. This is fuelled by politicians such as Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman and people with platforms like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson), who target and demonise minority groups by using divisive language to claim we are under threat from ‘others’, whether this is refugees, immigrants, Muslims, Jews or anyone who doesn’t fit their idea of being ‘British’.

While Preston can be proud of its community cohesion, we want to ensure racist language and behaviour is not allowed to take root through the spread of misinformation and hateful rhetoric by calling it out wherever we see it. By getting organised and sticking together, our group and others like it can empower the wider community and uplift marginalised voices.

Are you looking for new members?

Yes. We welcome people from any and all backgrounds to join our group and the national movement.

At the moment we are looking for musicians, poets, speakers, dance troupes, performers and artists to help build a roster of diverse, multi-cultural talent we can showcase and celebrate at live music events. If you have experience in the arts and would like to get involved, please let us know via any of our socials.

Tell us more about your launch event.

Love Music Combat Racism is being held in The Old Black Bull on Friargate from 1pm on Saturday 9 November. It’ll be family-friendly and free to attend. Everyone is welcome! We’ll have a range of speakers, live music and poets performing, as well as stalls and activities for children.

We’ve had a fantastic response from people who have been interested in what we stand for – musicians and artists who are kindly sharing their talents with us and local businesses who have been putting up posters and spreading the word.

We’d like to thank the manager of The Old Black Bull, Lisa, who has been especially supportive for our launch, and we’re grateful to Unite for funding our flyers. We hope this event will help to shine a light on all that’s great about Preston and the unity and spirit of the people who live here.

To find out more, visit @sutrpreston on Instagram or Preston and South Ribble Stand Up To Racism on Facebook. You can get in touch with the group via email at sutrpreston@gmail.com.

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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.