Unite The People Festival Launch: Celebrating Communities, Culture & the Power of Unity

Birmingham is gearing up for epic, carnival-style unity vibes. The beats are building, the artists are ready, and the stage is set for something unforgettable.

The official Unite The People Festival Launch takes place on Saturday 2nd May at the Midlands Arts Centre — a coming together that highlights what connects us, in the face of those who seek to divide.

The powerful line-up represents a city that is opposed to racism, hate, division, in all its forms, and the rich cultural heritage Birmingham stands for. From hip hop, afrobeat and south Asian fusion to rap and roots reggae, this is music and performance that truly unites.

Bob Marley-inspired LEGEND, marking 20 years, headline the evening. Speaking to BBC Radio WM, creator Steve Morrison said: “LEGEND tours all over the world. We know that people want to live together, but you get individuals trying to break that down. The music and message of Bob Marley is there to unite people — everybody will be singing together, dancing together. That’s what we do, that’s what happens at every show.”

Joining the line-up are Myki Tuff, Ras King Bobo, Sanyogita Kumari, Spektive, Banner Theatre, the Young People’s Lighthouse Project, and Birmingham Poet Laureate Ayan Aden. Award-winning author and journalist Gary Younge will also address the crowd. The title of his latest book, Pigeonholed: Creative Freedom as an Act of Resistance, speaks to the message of the launch and the growing Unite The People cultural movement.

The latest addition is Macka (aka Barry Macka), whose music blends rap, singing and songwriting rooted in positivity, peace and real-life storytelling, shaped by the lived realities of multicultural inner-city Birmingham. His message calls for unity across divides while challenging inequalities: “Money for the rich, money for the war. None for the ghetto and none for the poor.”

Across the city, something special has also been building. Young creatives have been coming together at the Lighthouse Young People’s Centre in Lozells, blending music, poetry and powerful voices. Working with Birmingham's Poet Laureate Ayan Aden and music producer Simon Duggal. Now it’s time for them to take the stage with a live unity performance of spoken word and music, including an exclusive track: Unite the People Freedom Mix.

Ayan Aden said: “I’ve had the honour of working with the Unite the People Lighthouse Project. The process has been phenomenal. It’s always a joy to help young people bring out their creativity in an empowering way. I’m excited for people to experience the full performance on the 2nd of May.”

26-year-old Birmingham artist Clinton, aka 21Prado, part of the Lighthouse Project, added: “Unite The People is about bringing people together. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or the colour of your skin. It’s about promoting peace, freedom, equality - loving each other and just treating each other as one. That’s what it means for me.”

Photo: Music producer Simon Duggal and artist Clinton aka 21Prado. Unite The People Lighthouse Project 2026.

Alongside the incredible line-up, Unite The People has launched a crowdfunder to support the wider cultural movement. Funds will go towards a planned free festival on 12th September 2026, with hopes to make it an annual Birmingham event, alongside youth programmes, community outreach and workshops.

The message is clear: Unite The People stands for justice, peace and a future beyond racism. Culture, music, art have the power to break down barriers, challenge hate, and bring people together in unity.

Tickets are selling fast — come feel it. Don’t miss it. Book in advance online or via the MAC box office: 0121 446 3232 https://macbirmingham.co.uk/events/unite-the-people-festival-launch

Limited tickets will be available on the door until 8pm.

Support the movement. Donate to the crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unite-the-people-for-a-future-beyond-racism

Unite The People is a collaboration between Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG), Stand Up to Racism Birmingham, Kings Heath United Against Racism (KHUAR), Brum Together, Birmingham Trades Union Council (BTUC), and other community partners. The Unite The People Lighthouse project is supported by Near Neighbours. Unite The People meets regularly at the BRIG Warehouse Café in Digbeth and also has a Youth Group (ages 18-30).For more info: https://www.unitethepeople.uk   Instagram: @unitethepeoplebirmingham @unitethepeopleyouth   Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitethePeople