Communities across Liverpool will come together this Saturday to stand against racism, challenge hate, and celebrate the city’s vibrant diversity.
On Saturday 17 May 2025, 7pm, the iconic St George’s Hall will be the stage for Liverpool Rising Against Racism, an evening of music, spoken word and solidarity. The event brings together artists, campaigners, residents and trade unions to say clearly and collectively: racism has no place in our city.
In a climate of rising division and hostile rhetoric, Liverpool Rising Against Racism is a bold act of unity, amplifying local voices and shining a light on the lived experiences of those facing and challenging racism every day. It draws inspiration from the historic Rock Against Racism movement of the 1970s, and is a rallying call to keep pushing forward with creativity, courage and collective action.
The line-up brings together a powerful mix of national names and homegrown talent, including:
• Skinnyman – a legendary voice in UK hip-hop
• Blue Saint – award-winning rapper, poet and activist rooted in Liverpool’s migrant communities
• Amina Atiq – acclaimed Yemeni-Scouse poet and community organiser
• PJ Smith (Roy) – Toxteth-born writer and performer
• Sam Millne & the Virants – a fast-rising Liverpool band known for their genre-blending sound
• Ship Builders – hugely talented, Liverpool band
The event is part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of Writing on the Wall (WoWFEST), and is supported by Love Music Hate Racism, and trade union partners from across the city and beyond.
Liverpool City Council is proud to support events like Liverpool Rising Against Racism, which bring people together across communities, cultures and generations to celebrate the strength of Liverpool’s diversity – and the city’s long-standing tradition of standing up to injustice.
The event is also a timely moment of reflection as the Council launches a city-wide consultation on Liverpool’s Anti-Racism Strategy. The survey launched this week and runs until the end of June, inviting views from people who live, work or study in the city on how racism can be tackled within our institutions and communities. Everyone is encouraged to take part and help build a city where everyone feels respected, valued and heard. Tickets to the event are available now from £5 at https://writingonthewall.org.uk/myevents/liverpool-rising-against-racism/
Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, said: “Liverpool has always been a city that stands up, speaks out and shows up for what’s right. We are proud of our identity as a city of sanctuary, solidarity and strength, and that means being actively anti-racist, not just in words, but in action.
“We stand proudly alongside our partners and communities in saying there is no place for racism here.”
Lee Hunter of the Fire Brigades Union said: “The scourge of racism is one we must all fight. Here in Liverpool, a city with a thriving multicultural community, we are very proud and honoured to support Liverpool Rising Against Racism. Solidarity.”
Debs Gwynn from the National Education Union, said: “Having an alternative to the right-wing narrative of the mass media is so important. The riots of last summer showed that people are looking for alternatives to the mainstream and get pulled by the far right, even if they don’t agree with their politics.
“This event demonstrates an alternative of hope, unity and solidarity. Liverpool has a brilliant history of opposing racism, and this is a great initiative to continue that tradition.”
Martin Timson, from UNISON, said: “Music, art and culture are core to what it is to be human. We in the UNISON trade union are committed to fairness, equality, diversity and inclusion.
“This gathering in St George’s Hall on Saturday 17 May in peace and celebration is a demonstration of fairness, equality and inclusion. It will also be a rejection of hate, bigotry and prejudice.“
