Latest news with #IonaFyfe
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
March through Glasgow city centre to mark World Refugee Day
There, a free family-friendly music carnival will take place with speeches from campaigners and music acts from bands and musical artists including former Scots Singer of the Year Iona Fyfe. The demonstration calls for an end to the scapegoating of refugees and migrants, safe routes for those seeking asylum, an end to the deportations the Labour government is ramping up and to lift the ban that prevents asylum seekers from working. Read More: Supporters include former First Minister Humza Yousaf, comedian Frankie Boyle, the STUC and various trades unions, the Scottish Refugee Council and other leading refugee rights organisations, Stand Up to Racism and Love Music Hate Racism. Mohammad Asif, Afghan Human Rights Foundation director, said: 'Refugees are the direct result of injustice and illegal wars and illegal invasions. We are the victims of profound injustices. We are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, with the same hopes and ambitions. 'The far right are attempting to seize the 'grooming gangs' issue to stir up Islamophobia, racism and division and we need to come together to fight this cancer in our society.' Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, said: 'The Prime Ministers' recent anti-immigration rhetoric echoes the far right—blaming refugees and migrants for the consequences of political failure. 'Migrants are not the problem. They are our family members, our friends, neighbours, co-workers, carers, and part of the communities that keep this country going. 'This government could fix the housing crisis, fund public services, and support working people—but instead, it scapegoats the vulnerable and fans the flames of racism. We will stand united to resist this politics of fear and division.' Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer, said: 'With the rise of the far-right and Reform in the UK, fascist ideas once relegated to the gutter are treated as mainstream ideas, feted by the media. "We have no alternative but to fight back, to counter every hate-filled racist lie and to defend our communities. We have won before and will do so again, but I feel the stakes have never been higher.'
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Frankie Boyle backs demonstration in Glasgow this weekend
The comedian and the former first minister are among those supporting the Stand Up to Racism rally to mark World Refugee Day. Refugee rights organisations, the STUC trade union federation, eight national unions, the National Union of Students, anti-war activists and advocacy groups are gathering for a rally, followed by a march and then an event in the Old Fruitmarket on Saturday. (Image: SRC) READ NEXT: Thousands expected for march and rally to support refugees in Glasgow Among the speakers will be Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer. He said: 'With the rise of the far right and Reform in the UK, fascist ideas once relegated to the gutter are treated as mainstream ideas, feted by the media. 'We have no alternative but to fight back, to counter every hate-filled racist lie and to defend our communities. We have won before and will do so again, but I feel the stakes have never been higher.' Scottish singer Iona Fyfe will be performing at the Old Fruitmarket among other acts. The organisers say the demonstration calls for' an end to the scapegoating of refugees and migrants, safe routes for those seeking asylum, an end to the deportations the Labour government is ramping up and to lift the ban that prevents asylum seekers from working'. Mohammad Asif, Afghan Human Rights Foundation director, said: 'Refugees are the direct result of injustice and illegal wars and illegal invasions. 'We are the victims of profound injustices. We are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, with the same hopes and ambitions. 'The far right are attempting to seize the 'grooming gangs' issue to stir up Islamophobia, racism and division and we need to come together to fight this cancer in our society.' READ NEXT:Police complain Sheku Bayoh sign at Kelvingrove Museum is 'biased' Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, said: 'The Prime Ministers' recent anti-immigration rhetoric echoes the far right—blaming refugees and migrants for the consequences of political failure. 'Migrants are not the problem. They are our family members, our friends, neighbours, co-workers, carers, and part of the communities that keep this country going. 'This government could fix the housing crisis, fund public services, and support working people—but instead, it scapegoats the vulnerable and fans the flames of racism. We will stand united to resist this politics of fear and division.'
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Anti-racism rally and music event set for Glasgow this weekend
Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) have organised an 'Aye Welcome Refugees' march through the city centre on Saturday, June 21, followed by the free We All Belong Carnival in the Old Fruitmarket. Attendees are expected to gather in Barrowland Park around 12pm before the march takes off, followed by a short rally ahead of the music event. Around 2000 people are set to join, with SUTR organising bus transport from Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen for those wishing to attend. Whilst Glasgow City Council have not announced any formal roadblocks, Police Scotland are expected to implement rolling closures throughout the day. Which roads will be affected? The final route has not been confirmed, but the following streets are set to be affected: Moir Street London Road Trongate Glassford Street Ingram Street South Frederick Street South George Square St. Vincent Place St. Vincent Street Renfield Street Union Street Argyle Street Queen Street Candleriggs Who is performing? The family-friendly carnival, organised by Love Music Hate Racism Glasgow, will kick off after the march concludes. A number of stalls and activities, like henna tattooing, face painting, balloon artistry and puppeteering. Several Scottish acts will perform, with the lineup featuring Iona Fyfe, Pilgrims Society, Mellow Party and Cabaret Against The Hate's Tom Harlow. Why now? Saturday's festivities have been organised to mark World Refugee Day, which falls on Friday June 20. In a statement posted to social media, SUTR said: "Our movement fights our government's involvement in the wars that create refugees. "We also stand in solidarity with refugees trying to rebuild their lives while being scapegoated and demonised by the very same politicians.' The focus of World Refugee Day 2025 is solidarity with refugees, with the UNHRC stressing the importance of honouring refugees 'not just with words but with actions'. Who has endorsed it? A number of trade unions and charity organisations have endorsed Saturday's events. RMT, Glasgow Trades Council and West Lothian Trades Council are among the unions who have voiced their support. Charities such as Refuweegee and Stop The War Scotland have also expressed support.
The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025 free festival line-up announced
A range of free events are set to take place over a four-day festival between July 19 and 22, as more than 50 vessels are expected to pull into Port Of Aberdeen's North Harbour from the UK, Europe, Oman, Uruguay and Peru. Events offered range from a variety of street food stalls, quayside bars and a STEM discovery zone amongst additional attractions throughout the city centre. (Image: Sail Training International) There will also be free live music offered across three different stages each day, with acts including Scots singer Iona Fyfe, jazz musician Nathan Somevi, and performances by Aberdeen talents AiiTee, Jackill and Chef. Emma Wadee, Aberdeen City Council's Tall Ships project manager, said: 'We know how much the people of Aberdeen love to party – we saw that during the Dons' Scottish Cup victory parade. 'We hope people will turn out in their thousands again to enjoy everything on offer at The Tall Ships Races and help turn the Granite City into Party City from morning to night.' READ MORE: Scottish Winter Fuel Payments to match UK's after U-turn, John Swinney says Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of Port of Aberdeen, said: 'The return of the Tall Ships Races to Aberdeen is a landmark moment for our city and Port of Aberdeen. With a packed programme of free events and activities for all ages, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. 'Accessibility is vital to this event, and an accessibility plan in in place for the event. This includes sensory spaces, BSL tours and changing place facilities. Extra blue badge parking and a shuttle bus running for blue badge holders from Pittodrie stadium up to every twenty minutes. Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: 'The unveiling of the full free programme reveals the true scale, breadth and sheer excitement of what The Tall Ships Races will bring to the Granite City. 'And with some 400,000 visits expected during the event, the economic impact of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen cannot be underestimated. This is going to be a party the people of Aberdeen will never forget.' This July will mark the first time in nearly three decades the Tall Ship Races are in Aberdeen. For more information on the free festival, click here.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Buddies raise almost £3,500 to support starving and ill in Gaza
Organised by Paisley4Palestine, in partnership with The Bungalow and a host of musicians, the gig raised £3,340 for Medical Aid for Palestine Buddies have helped raise almost £3,500 to support starving and ill Palestinians in Gaza. Paisley people came together with musicians from across Scotland to stand in solidarity with innocent civilians as part of Gig for Gaza. Organised by Paisley4Palestine, in partnership with The Bungalow and a host of musicians, the gig raised £3,340 for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). The charity delivers life-saving aid, food and medical supplies to Gazans who now face starvation as well as the daily bombing from Israeli Defence Forces. The gig, featuring an array of musical talent, was held just days before Israel lifted its blockade on Gaza, which had not received any food, fuel or medical supplies for 11 weeks. About 130 lorries carrying humanitarian aid have crossed into the Gaza Strip in the past three days. However the UN says it would need to see 600 trucks – carrying food, medicines, baby food and medical equipment – per day in order to begin tackling Gaza's humanitarian crisis. John Kelly, a founding member of Paisley 4 Palestine told the Paisley Daily Express: 'All of the artists and The Bungalow gave their time free to this event and Paisley4Palestine are eternally grateful to them all. 'Buddies contributed over £3,000 to MAP, aid which is badly needed as the Israelis continue their relentless assault on the civilian population of Gaza, at the same time as they pursue a colonial settler project in the West Bank. 'Both assaults are in flagrant breach of international law and we once again call upon our political representatives to do all they can to boycott and disinvest from Israel, as the only way to stop the ongoing murderous assaults on innocent people, with the main victims being women and children. 'Paisley4Palestine urge all Buddies to contact their local Westminster MPs calling on them to make their voices heard in defence of the innocents under attack and facing starvation.' The gig took place last week and saw punk/rap band Aidan and the Outkkasts kick off the show with a blistering performance. Iona Fyfe mixed her own songs of protest with classics in a really heartfelt session which had the crowd in raptures. SHOUT! had the Bungalow jumping as did Alexx Munro's set, before Howlin' Radio took to the stage with some very well received classic rock. Special guest 'Replacement Kneecap' –otherwise known as Paisley's own Tannahill Makar Sean – delivered spoken words on the situation across the world but particularly on the role of Zionism in the attacks on Gaza and on the West Bank. Clydebank singer/songwriter Eddie Reid's voice was impressive as he gave the crowd some lovely, thoughtful and inspirational numbers while Barrhead's Kitti – repeat winner of the best jazz vocalist award at the Scottish Jazz Awards – finished her set with Viva Palestina before making way for radical rockers The Tenementals. They finished the night off with radical sounds and tales of resistance reflecting the tone of the night. Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 53,655 Palestinians and wounded 121,950, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel launched its offensive after Hamas killed around 1,200 Israelis and took 250 people hostage in an attack on October 7, 2023.
