2026: Time to Unite the People!
In a world increasingly shaped by division and conflict, 2026 begins with a call to Unite The People.
Unite The People welcomed in 2026 at the BRIG Café in January with their fourth get-together. These interactive fortnightly gatherings are bringing together activists, artists, organisers, and anyone interested in celebrating creativity, connecting communities and shaping the 2026 Unite The People Festival Rally.
What is Unite The People?
Unite The People (UTP) is an anti-racist, anti-fascist, city-wide movement, linking people from Birmingham and beyond. At its heart is a commitment to building a movement that can last for generations — challenging far-right narratives, division, and hate.
At a time when recorded hate crimes in England and Wales have more than doubled over the past decade, Unite The People celebrates the multi-cultural and multi-faith region, standing for unity, togetherness, and community in the face of rising polarisation.
The story so far
The fortnightly sessions have been running since late November and continue to grow. January marked the exciting launch of the Unite The People Youth Group (ages 18–25), led by Holly and Lauren, two 24-year-olds creating space for young people to organise for unity, justice, and change.
Just two meetings in, the Youth Group is shaping its community, designing marketing, and has launched the Unite The People Instagram pages. Their aim is simple: to give young people a place to direct their energy and help make Birmingham a world-leading anti-racist city.
Meanwhile, 2026 has already seen the UTP logo launch, a Model Trade Union motion finalised, and ideas flowing around communications, outreach, and programming. The sessions are interactive, welcoming, and fun — with opportunities to join working groups, get involved throughout the year, and monthly guest speakers planned.
The vision
Alongside building a lasting movement, Unite The People is working towards a large-scale festival in September, showcasing artists from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds. A launch event is also planned for May.
Unite The People stands for harmony, peace, love, and unity — saying no to racism and hate, and yes to solidarity, respect, and a world beyond racism.
Get involved
The next Unite The People Youth Group meeting is on February 16th at BRIG Café from 5–7pm (ages 18–25). The wider Unite The People meeting follows from 7–9pm.
Follow the Youth Group and Unite The People on Instagram and Eventbrite for updates and upcoming events:
@unitethepeopleyouth
@unitethepeoplebirmingham
The Unite The People logos have been designed by Bharat Patel
Unite The People is a collaboration with Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG), Stand Up to Racism Birmingham, Kings Heath United Against Racism (KHUAR), and community partners across Birmingham.