A POPULAR venue took a stance against racism as it held a successful free show which sold-out a week in advance.
Colchester Arts Centre, in Church Street, hosted its Colchester Against Racism event last Wednesday.
The 400-capacity venue welcomed residents, bands, and guest speakers in an act of defiance against the national unrest which swept across the country over the last few weeks.
Following on from the riots, there were a lot of anti-racist counter protests held.
The Colchester Against Racism event raised funds for the charity, HOPE NOT HATE, throughout the night.
Music performances came from The Others, Flores Blue, Generation Feral, Butterfly Handshake, and Greebo.
Colchester Arts Centre Associate Director, Vijay Patel, introduced each act and guest speakers included Grace Akinyemi, Delvin from Refugee Action, Godwin Daudu, and Castle ward councillor Kemal Çufoğlu.
There were also speeches from the Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Lesley Scott Boutell, and Colchester MP Pam Cox.
Vijay joined Colchester Arts Centre in 2022 to help lead new initiatives for accessibility and inclusivity at the venue and was delighted with the event.
“The atmosphere throughout the night was brilliant, it was a pleasure to host.
“I want to thank the amazing bands, guest speakers, volunteers and audience who gave up their time and all came together in solidarity.
“It was clear to me that we sent a message to say - racism in any form is not tolerated in Colchester, we welcome everyone here.”
Colchester musician Emma Sampson, who is also known by her artist name Flores Blue and has released her debut EP, Entertain, was honoured to be part of the line-up.
She said: “I really enjoyed playing the gig, it was great to see so many people there for an important cause.
“The speakers were really inspiring and all the bands played very well.”
Colchester Arts Centre director Anthony Roberts is “thrilled” that the art centre’s “little idea blossomed so quickly into a brilliant night.”
Anthony said: ”It was with the help and support of Colchester's young bands and musicians that the momentum for the event really gathered its strength.
“All the bands played for free, I can't tell you how uplifting and beautiful it was to feel their passion and listen to their music.
“To have our MP and Mayor with this us too was a real validation, Colchester is a genuinely kind and welcoming place for everyone.
“And in the words of Elvis Costello, from the old days of Rock Against Racism - What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding?"
Colchester MP Pam Cox said: “Congratulations to the Arts Centre for hosting a great event that gave young local bands a chance to perform and gave people from across Colchester the chance to come together to celebrate our diversity.
“We have a long history of welcoming people from around the world and we’re rightly proud of our record as a city of sanctuary.”
Take a look at more photos from the Colchester Arts Centre's Colchester Against Racism event, below.
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