Anti-racism protesters gather peacefully in Southend

Stand Up to Racism organised the march through the city centre today.  

It comes after riots took place in several towns and cities in England for more than a week which saw supermarkets and libraries torched and shops looted.

The anti-racism gathering took place in High Street, Southend, which saw residents, old and young, chanting and listening to empowering speeches. 

Some protesters had brought their own signs, stating their frustrations and hopes following the national unrest. 

Organiser - Clare Wormald was one of the people setting the protest in Southend up (Image: Newsquest)

Organiser Clare Wormald, who is also a Unison representative, was happy with the turnout of the event, which had been announced only on Wednesday. 

She said: “Today was a good turnout. I think, you know, it's called quite quickly. Obviously not as big as Wednesday, cause that was phenomenal.  

“But I think, you know, for a Saturday in August, I think this is really good and positive to see that people are still wanting to make sure that we keep the far right off our streets and you know that politics of hate, you know, put firmly in the sewer where it belongs.” 

Banners had messages like “Solidarity-on-Sea" and “The Only Way is Empathy". 

Support - Aaron and Chloe showed their support at the march with their self-made posters (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Wormald said: “We need to keep making sure that unity exists and that people get on board. I’m from a trade union and we’ve spread the message across the union, because obviously there are people in workplaces that feel full of fear as well. 

“Racism does still exist and we’ve got to fight all forms of it. Whether it is the far right trying to claim our streets or whether it is people in workplaces not being supported with progression.” 

The city was preparing for the worst on August 7, with shops barricading their doors and residents staying at home amid rumours of an “anti-immigration” demonstration. 

United - Southenders showed a united front against racism (Image: Newsquest)

However, in the end only anti-racism campaigners turned out.  

She said: “People have had that fear factor before Wednesday night. But then they saw the community stopping the division against racism, against the far right.  

“I reaffirmed their belief in Southend and its people, that the community is bigger than the far right and they will keep people save and have their backs.” 

Saturday’s event ran smoothly without interruption, and Essex Police officers ensuring the protesters safety.