Concerts for Change: How Anti-Racist Music Events Can Counter UK Far-Right Growth, According to Seasoned Activist

Anti-Racism Movement Urges De-escalation, Focus on Community Empowerment Amid rising Far-Right Tensions

Manchester, UK – A veteran of the anti-racist movement is warning against escalating physical confrontations wiht far-right groups, advocating instead for a strategy centered on bolstering community confidence and challenging racist ideologies at the grassroots level. The call comes as tensions rise following recent demonstrations and reports of violence targeting immigrant communities,including incidents in ireland.

hadi, who became involved in the movement in the 1970s attending free music gigs organized as part of the movement, emphasized the power of creating welcoming spaces and fostering a sense of belonging. He recalled the inclusive atmosphere of early events, which drew support from diverse musical acts including Ms Dynamite, Ed Sheeran, Pete Doherty, and Stormzy.

“I got involved in the 70s, I was only 15, 16. I never got involved in the organisation, I literally went to the free music gigs that were put on. I saw some reggae bands and saw some of my favorite music.And then, it was in an atmosphere where I was welcomed for being there. And you felt part of it and, for me, that was even more powerful, because that’s thousands [of people],” Hadi stated.

Recent incidents, including the kettling of anti-racist protesters in Manchester who allegedly planned to engage in physical altercations with far-right demonstrators, highlight the dangers of prioritizing confrontation. Hadi cautioned against the mindset that “taking them out” is the sole solution to countering the far-right’s growth.

“If we get fixated on our side that the only thing we need to do to stop growth of the far right is to take them out, then you end up with people who actually literally do believe that,” he explained.Instead, Hadi advocates for a shift in focus towards empowering individuals to challenge racism in their daily lives – in workplaces, communities, and personal interactions. The goal, he argues, is not simply to outnumber opponents for the sake of a fight, but to project strength and confidence that discourages the spread of hateful ideologies.

Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Anti-Racist Strategies

This emphasis on community empowerment reflects a broader evolution in anti-racist strategies. while direct action and confronting hate groups have historically been vital tactics, contemporary movements increasingly recognize the need for long-term, preventative measures.

These include:

Counter-Speech Initiatives: Actively challenging racist narratives online and offline.
Educational Programs: Promoting understanding and empathy through education about diversity and inclusion.
community Organizing: Building coalitions and supporting local initiatives that address systemic inequalities.
Supporting Immigrant and minority Communities: Providing resources and advocacy for vulnerable groups.

The core principle remains consistent: dismantling racism requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both its overt manifestations and its underlying causes. By fostering inclusive environments and empowering individuals to challenge prejudice, the anti-racist movement aims to build a more just and equitable society for all.

Related: ‘Why is this happening?’: violent attacks terrify Ireland’s immigrant community https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/10/violent-attacks-ireland-indian-immigrants

What specific strategies, beyond diverse lineups and community involvement, can “Concerts for change” employ to effectively counter online radicalization contributing to far-right growth?

The Rising Tide of Far-Right Extremism in the UK

The UK has witnessed a concerning resurgence of far-right activity in recent years. This isn’t simply about isolated incidents; it’s a coordinated effort fueled by online radicalization, economic anxieties, and a deliberate exploitation of social divisions. Key indicators include:

Increased Membership: Growth in membership of far-right groups, though frequently enough fluctuating, demonstrates sustained interest.

Online Propaganda: A proliferation of racist and xenophobic content across social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps. This includes disinformation campaigns targeting minority communities.

Hate Crimes: A documented rise in racially motivated hate crimes, impacting individuals and fostering a climate of fear. (Source: Home office Hate crime Statistics)

Political Influence: Attempts to mainstream far-right ideologies through political parties and public discourse.

This habitat necessitates proactive and innovative counter-strategies. While customary methods like legal challenges and educational programs are vital,a seasoned activist,Dr. Anya Sharma – a community organiser wiht over 20 years’ experience combating racism – argues that culturally-rooted interventions, specifically anti-racist music events, offer a powerful, frequently enough overlooked, tool.

The Power of Music as a Counter-Narrative

Dr. Sharma believes music possesses a unique ability to bypass intellectual defenses and connect with people on an emotional level. “Far-right groups often rely on fear and division. Music, particularly genres rooted in resistance and social justice – like grime, reggae, punk, and hip-hop – can offer a powerful counter-narrative of unity, hope, and empowerment,” she explains.

This isn’t about simply playing ‘anti-racist’ songs. It’s about creating spaces where diverse communities can come together, celebrate their cultures, and build solidarity. The key elements of effective “Concerts for Change” include:

Diverse Lineups: featuring artists from various ethnic backgrounds and musical genres.

Community Involvement: Actively engaging local community groups in the planning and execution of events.

educational Components: Incorporating workshops, talks, or facts stalls addressing issues of racism and discrimination.

Safe Spaces: Ensuring events are welcoming and inclusive for all attendees, with robust security measures to prevent disruption.

Accessibility: Making events affordable and accessible to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Case Study: Rock Against Racism (1976-1981)

The ancient precedent for using music to combat far-right extremism is strong.The original Rock Against Racism* (RAR) movement in the UK during the late 1970s provides a compelling case study. Faced with a surge in National Front support, RAR organized large-scale concerts featuring popular musicians, attracting tens of thousands of young people.

RAR’s success stemmed from:

1. Broad Appeal: Attracting a diverse audience beyond traditional left-wing circles.
2. Positive Messaging: Focusing on inclusivity and celebrating multiculturalism, rather than simply denouncing racism.
3. Youth Engagement: Targeting young people, who were particularly vulnerable to far-right recruitment.
4. Media Coverage: Generating notable media attention, amplifying the anti-racist message.

RAR demonstrably contributed to a decline in National Front support and helped shift the public discourse on race relations. (Source: RAR archives and academic studies on the movement).

Modern Applications: Beyond the Concert Hall

While large-scale concerts are impactful, Dr. Sharma emphasizes the need for a more multifaceted approach. “We need to think beyond the traditional concert hall. Anti-racist music events