Liverpool will once again affirm its proud tradition of standing against hatred and division with Liverpool Rising Against Racism, an evening of music, spoken word and unity held in the historic surroundings of St George’s Hall.
This event is presented in partnership by Love Music Hate Racism, Writing on the Wall and Liverpool City Halls with generous support from the trade union movement.
Presented as part of WoWFEST 2025: 25 Years of Radical Writing, this event draws direct inspiration from the legendary Rock Against Racism movement of the 1970s and 80s—a grassroots cultural force that mobilised artists and communities in defiance of racism and the far-right. In that same spirit, Liverpool Rising Against Racism will bring together artists, activists and the public to make a clear, creative stand.
The evening will commence with a vibrant outdoor performance by Batala Mersey at the North Entrance to the hall, leading into an extraordinary programme inside featuring some of the UK’s mostvital voices in music and poetry including:
- Skinnyman – UK hip-hop trailblazer whose hard-hitting lyrics and landmark album Council Estate of Mind gave voice to a generation.
- Blue Saint – Award-winning rapper, poet and activist whose work fuses artistry and advocacy.
- Amina Atiq – Acclaimed poet, performer and community organiser, addressing themes of diaspora, race and resistance.
- PJ Smith (Roy) – Toxteth-born writer and performer delivering sharp, intimate storytelling with fierce honesty.
- Sam Millne & the Virants – One of the city’s most exciting new bands, known for their genre-bending sound and grassroots spirit.
Lee Hunter, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Merseyside Brigade Secretary / Region 5 (North West) Regional Chair says:
“The Fire Brigades Union has long campaigned and fought for equality, both within fire and rescueservices and in the communities we serve. From being the first UK trade union to affiliate to the South African Anti-Apartheid campaign, to campaigning for a ceasefire and rights for Palestinians, the Fire Brigades Union does not shy away from difficult campaigns.
“The scourge of racism is one we must all fight. Here in Liverpool, a city with a thriving multi-cultural community, we are very proud and honoured to support Liverpool Rising Against Racism. Solidarity!”
Dr Bee Hughes, Branch Secretary, LJMU UCU says:
“We are proud to support the event and organisers as a branch and as part of the UCU North WestRegion.
“Love Music Hate Racism Merseyside makes real change in the world. Equality and solidarity are centralto UCU at LJMU, and we’re excited to join WoW, LMHR and many other trade unions and groups to sayagain that racism has no place in our city.”
Saira Weiner, NW UCU Regional Chair and LJMU UCU Branch Chair says:
“At a time when racist rhetoric is spreading, it is crucial that we bring together people from all communities to celebrate and share what unites us – and music is a great way to do this. NW Region UCU is proud to support this event, which in the tradition of Rock Against Racism, can helppush back the threat of racism and the Far Right.”
Martin Timson, International Relations Officer UNISON Merseytravel and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Branch says:
“We are delighted to sponsor this important and fun event in our city in partnership with Merseyside Love Music Hate Racism, Writing on the Wall and Liverpool City Council. Music, art and culture are coreto what it is to be human. We in the UNISON trade union are committed to fairness, equality, diversityand inclusion. This gathering in St Georges Hall on Saturday 17th May in peace and celebration is ademonstration of that. It will also be a rejection of hate, bigotry and prejudice.”
Debs Gwynn, National Executive Member, National Education Union NEU says:
“Having an alternative to the right-wing narrative of the mass media is so important. The riots of lastsummer showed that people are looking for alternatives to the mainstream and get pulled by the farright, even if they don’t agree with their politics. This event demonstrates an alternative of hope, unityand solidarity.
“Liverpool has a brilliant history of opposing racism, and this is a great initiative to continue that tradition.”
Liverpool Rising Against Racisim takes place on Saturday 17 May 2025, 7PM – 11:30PM at St George’s Hall. Tickets are £5 / £10 and are available via Ticket Quarter.
Categories: 2025 | Arts & Culture | News
