Swindon Stand Up to Racism will stage a public stall on Saturday 14 February as part of a national build-up to a large demonstration in London later this spring.
The group will be based on The Parade, outside the Brunel Shopping Centre, where members will speak with shoppers and distribute leaflets.
Organisers say the aim is to promote love, hope and unity, while challenging racism and division at a local level.
Those attending will be invited to stop for a conversation, take information away, or find out how to support future activity opposing racism and fascist movements.
The Swindon action forms part of a nationwide programme of local events organised by Stand Up to Racism ahead of a major anti-racism demonstration in London on 28 March.
Groups across the country are being encouraged to hold visible neighbourhood-based activity, including street stalls and everyday conversations in social and work settings.
A spokesperson for Swindon Stand Up to Racism said the focus was on everyday engagement.
“This is about getting out into our neighbourhoods. From the neighbour you greet every morning, to the cashier at your local shop, to the friends you see every weekend, every conversation matters.”
The group hopes the stall will encourage wider participation across Swindon, with high streets becoming spaces for discussion and solidarity.
“Time is of the essence,” the spokesperson added. “Every leaflet shared, every person spoken to, and every new supporter helps grow this movement. Let’s show love in action, let’s challenge those that seek to divide and diminish us, starting here in Swindon and building something powerful nationwide.”
Residents who want to follow the campaign or get involved can find updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/swindonsutr, on Instagram at @Swindonsutr, or by emailing [email protected] to join the group’s mailing list.
The message organisers say they are promoting remains consistent, focusing on love, hope and unity.
This is brilliant. Thanks!
Im a 67 yr old West country lad, ex Swindon railway worker (as was whole family), and having worked all over the world since, I cannot believe the recent frenzy of fake ‘patriotism’, predjudice and outright racism which is taking root here. I thought we’d got past all that, and on towards something better. I really started noticing it around the Brexit referendum, and it’s just got worse since. Too many far right voices on TV. Too much billionaire cash from overseas twisting our national conversation towards nasty, I reckon, so we dont notice how our country is being ripped off by the billionaire class!