Anti-racism protest is 'celebration of humanity'

Children were among those who turned out for the event in Cambridge

Organisers of an anti-racism protest have called it a “celebration of humanity”.

About 250 demonstrators gathered at Donkey Common, Cambridge, on Saturday following violence at anti-immigration protests elsewhere in the country.

Linda Jones, who attended the event, organised by Stand Up To Racism, called it “an important moment”.

Event organiser Neil Shayler said he hoped it would “dampen down the spirit of fear” and “show people they are supported”.

Shahida Rahman said she was now thinking twice before going anywhere

Demonstrators of diverse ages and backgrounds gathered with placards, urging “hope not hate”.

Hundreds of people have been arrested in connection with riots and anti-immigration protests across the UK following the fatal stabbings of three girls in Southport, Merseyside on 29 July.

Shahida Rahman, who is Cambridge-born and raised, said the recent unrest was the “worst violence” she had seen in the country, describing it as “terrifying”.

“We have got together to stand up to racism," she said.

“The message is that we are equal.

"The riots have been horrible, though the police has been amazing. But to see so many people come out shows people are one".

Ms Rahman said as a Muslim woman, she had been fearful to go out alone.

“I would like to speak to these [anti-immigration] people... come and speak to us... we understand your concerns but don’t blame us for society’s ills and what’s going on in the country," she said.

People at the event said Cambridge was a "tolerant" place where people wanted to stand up to racism

Rosia Evans said the unrest was “stressful” to see and had left people feeling “powerless”.

“A collective communal action like today feels like a good way to lessen that feeling," she said.

Neil Shailer said he wanted to "put arms around the diverse communities" to show support

Mr Shailer, a scientist and Labour city councillor, said: “This is a celebration of our humanity; about our diversity... about love and togetherness.

“It started off as an anti-far right rally but we wanted to move into a direction of unity rather than conflict.”

The peaceful protest was held at Donkey Common