Hastings community organisations, faith groups, trade unions, equality campaigns and political groups are calling on people to join a Unity Parade.

Organisers said the parade will assemble at noon on Saturday, September 26 in Warrior Square Gardens, before travelling along the seafront to a rally in Hastings town centre with speakers, music and entertainment.

Under the banner 'Hastings Celebrates Multiculturalism, Diversity & Inclusion', organisers said the event is intended to be a celebration of the communities that make up Hastings and St Leonards.

The coalition calling the parade includes Stand Up To Racism Hastings & Bexhill, Hastings Green Party, Hastings Independents, Hastings Mosque, Hastings & Rother Rainbow Alliance, Hastings & District Trades Union Council, UNISON Hastings & Eastbourne Healthcare, UNISON East Sussex, Hastings & District National Education Union, Women Against the Far Right, Love Music Hate Racism, Rise and Rebuild Hope Initiative, Hastings Supports Refugees.

Hastings Stand Up To Racism's National Day Of Protest which was held on August 10 2024 in Robertson Street.

placeholder image — Hastings Stand Up To Racism's National Day Of Protest which was held on August 10 2024 in Robertson Street.

A spokesperson for the Hastings Unity Parade said: “We want this to be a joyful and visible expression of the Hastings we know – a town that is stronger because of its diversity and where everyone should be able to feel that they belong.

“This parade has brought together trade unionists, faith communities, equality campaigns, political groups and local residents because there are values that we share even where we may disagree about other things.

“The scenes we have seen in Dover and Portsmouth make that especially important. We don't want intimidation and division to become normalised. The answer is for the much greater number of people who believe in tolerance, equality and solidarity to make themselves visible too – peacefully, positively and confidently.”

The BBC reported demonstrators dressed in black and wearing face coverings were heard chanting 'stop the boats' during a protest in Dover on Saturday (September 5).

On Sunday (September 6), approximately 140 migrants crossing the Channel were brought to Eastney, Portsmouth, sparking protests with people attempting to prevent them from entering the city.