To protest the Aberdeen branch of the National Front’s plans to hold a static demonstration in the city (Aberdeen City Council had denied their application to hold a march), coincidentally marking Hitler’s birthday, and as part of a wider call to action, Aberdeen Trades Council in conjunction with Aberdeen Against Austerity and ably assisted by assorted Aberdeen Anarchists, hosted an anti-fascist event at the Trades Council Social Club on the evening of April 20th.
Called Hope Not Hate: Equality and Diversity Night, the event would be a celebration of multiculturalism and anti-fascist resistance.
Our Compere....
The evening’s live entertainment began with an acoustic set by Mark Ayling from Turriff. His Billy Bragg like sounds got things off to a good start.
Mark Ayling
After a short break, folks were treated to a fine set by local poet Rapunzel Wizard. Never one to pull his punches, with a delivery not unlike Attila the Stockbroker, he set about attacking an assortment of characters from both the field of politics and popular culture.
Rapunzel Wizard (Slug Fancier & Fan of Lynn Watson)
Next up were local musicians los Rebeldes Acusticos, playing a mix of traditional political song including a selection by Chicho Sanchez Ferlosio dedicated to Spanish anarchist fighters in the Spanish Civil War. However the highlight of their set, and of the evening, was a reinterpretation of The Internationale.
los Rebeldes Acusticos
They were followed by some poetry readings from the Spanish Civil War by local Unite official Tommy Campbell.
Finally, and concluding the live part of the evening, everyone was entertained by a mix of acoustic tunes and poetry from Maze McPunklet.
*We must apologise to Maze McPunklet & Tommy Campbell for the lack of photo’s of your work – The photographer was drunk by this point!*
People continued to celebrate the evening, treated to a selection of tunes from around the world courtesy of DJ Playlist.
All in all, the night was a huge success, with not a fascist in sight. Congratulations to everyone involved in making it a night to remember.
We would like to extend our solidarity, love to the Aberdeen branches of CND, SWP & Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign for coming along and for to the ATUC for the venue and support and to those fine folk who traveled up from Dundee.
Plus a big thank you to all the artists who made an ace night amazing and to those who were out and about all day keeping eyes peeled for Fascists.
Words by D.I
