The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street will be celebrated on Sunday 2 October with a commemorative march and rally, and numerous other events organised by Cable Street 75 and supported by more than 40 organisations.
On 4 October 1936 the Jewish community of east London came together with community organisations, trade unionists, communists and socialists – including many members of the ILP – to stop Oswald Moseley’s British Union of Fascists from marching through the east end. The fascists were sent packing and Cable Street forever became associated with a victory for Britain’s anti-fascist forces.
Nick Lowles of Hope not Hate, one of the supporting organisations, said: “While our methods might have evolved since then, the dedication and commitment to opposing fascism and hatred remain the same, and it is vital we celebrate our own history.”
Assemble: 11.30am at Aldgate East (Junction of Braham Street and Leman Street)
Rally: 1pm at St George in the East Gardens, Canon Street, off Cable Street (http://g.co/maps/mnppe)
The march and rally is just one of several events taking place on 2 October. Others include:
- Protest and Survive – a photography and poster exhibition
- Grand Union Orchestra of East London (www.grandunionyouth.org.uk)
- Book launch – five new publications about the Battle of Cable Street
- ‘They Shall Not Pass’ – an evening of celebration and entertainment at Wilton’s Music Hall, including Billy Bragg, Michael Rosen, Shappi Khorsandi and The Men They Couldn’t Hang (www.battleofcablestreet.org.uk)
Hope not Hate have also produced a special Cable Street pamphlet, sponsored by Unison, to mark the 75th anniversary. The 28-page full-colour magazine includes maps, rare photos and stories from the day.
£4 (including p&p) from www.hopenothate.org.uk/shop/cablest or by sending cheque or postal order for £4 to:
Searchlight Educational Trust
PO Box 67502
London NW3 9RE.
Full details of all events can be found at: www.hopenothate.org.uk or cablestreet75.org.uk
