A massive crowd flooded Trafalgar Square, comprising demonstrators from all generations and regions of the country, as the tune of ‘Give Peace A Chance’ resonated through the air. Even as the initial marchers reached Nelson’s Column, a sea of people continued to gather, stretching back two miles along Hyde Park, eagerly awaiting their turn to join the procession.
The Together Alliance demonstration on Saturday saw organizers claiming an impressive turnout of 500,000 individuals rallying against the Far Right in London. While police estimates were lower, it was undeniably the largest national protest ever witnessed in the UK against the Far Right.
Banners representing various regions like ‘Chesterfield Dump Trump’, ‘Cornwall against Fascism’, ‘Nottingham Fights Back’, and ‘St Albans Together’ were proudly displayed as the march progressed. The eclectic mix of participants caught the attention of onlookers, with one bystander marveling at their sudden visibility.
Amidst the crowd, the ‘Red Rebels’ from Extinction Rebellion made a silent statement, clad in red robes and white-painted faces, moving in the opposite direction of the march. Meanwhile, police vans lined the side streets, monitoring the event closely.
I joined the ‘Singing Resistance’ group, a collective of choirs and singers inspired by Singing Resistance Minneapolis, who had diligently rehearsed songs for weeks leading up to the event. Voices harmonized, filling the air with the lyrics, “I believe that one fine day, the power of love will rise above the love of power”, accompanied by placards bearing messages of unity and solidarity.
Noteworthy among the singers was a young girl in a colorful hat, perched on her father’s shoulders, holding a placard that read ‘Be Nice, Don’t Fight’, adorned with daisies. The songs performed were adopted from the United States, where activists sing in extreme conditions to show support for immigrant communities.
The melodies continued to echo through London, amidst the hum of police helicopters and the rhythmic beats of Extinction Rebellion drums, passing by exclusive streets in the West End and iconic statues. The march culminated in Trafalgar Square, marking a powerful display of unity and resistance.
Simultaneously, across the Atlantic, America witnessed what was hailed as one of the largest protests in its history, with over 3,000 events across 50 states for the third No Kings protest. The songs of solidarity transcended borders, highlighting shared battles against hatred, fear, and division.
While Far Right activist Tommy Robinson’s rallies have often faced counterprotests, no opposing group emerged against the massive turnout of 500,000 individuals in Britain. The day symbolized a collective choice for hope and unity among the people.
Ros Wynne-Jones, author of the Real Britain column in the Daily Mirror, campaigns against government cuts and advocates for ordinary citizens.
