Beating the rain in Leicester

Hope Not Hate in Leicester. We Sing when we’re winning!

Forty anti-fascist activists in Leicester delivered some 15,000 HOPE not hate newspapers on Sunday 17 May.

Joined by members of all Leicester’s faith groups and the Daily Mirror team, activists took to the streets of Belgrave before moving further out into the city over four hours while the threat of rain amazingly held off.

By the time the heavens opened, everyone was safely ensconced inside the Belgrave Community Centre for an afternoon of song provided by the Leicester Amika choir and the trade union activists of the Red Leicester choir, who sang progressive and trade union songs of struggle, faith, comradeship and hope.

Lancashire’s super-activist, Jason Hunter, sprang to mind when the most magnificent curry arrived mid-afternoon. Jason would have enjoyed what was the hottest HOPE not hate curry I can remember.

The day could not have been the success it was without the magnificent planning and co-ordination of Harish Patel and his friends and colleagues from the Indian community, local councillors and Unite the Union.

"We have to spread the message of hope," Harish said. "We have to all be united against hatred and united in hope. Nobody here, no matter their faith or their background, wants the BNP speaking for Leicester."