Tower Hamlets gears up for Sunday’s Cable Street anniversary march

Activists put on a lively display during Tuesday's march (Image: � Rehan Jamil)

A parade, supported by the council, was held on Tuesday exactly 80 years to the day Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts were met with anti-fascist activists on Cable Street in Shadwell.

Speaking on the day the Mayor of Tower Hamlets said the actions of East End residents in 1936 serve as a reminder that communities play an important role in preventing ‘messages of hate’.

“It is essential that we come together on this day to mark the anniversary of this important event in the history of the East End,” said the Mayor.

“While the groups involved in today’s events have created a wonderful sense of celebration, the anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street is also timely reminder to us all - that through a common belief in community cohesion we will always do our utmost to prevent messages of hate and division from spreading in our borough.

Human barrier in Cable Street to stop Mosley's Blackshirts (Image: Archant)

“The people of Tower Hamlets stood together against the tyranny of racial intolerance in 1936, and we stand in solidarity with our predecessors today.”

As well Tuesday’s parade Limehouse Town Hall has been holding a series of films related to the era - the last of which is aired tonight at 7pm.

The 80th anniversary celebrations culminate in a march on Sunday with thousands of people expected to be in attendance.

Liane Groves, from Unite, said she was proud to take part in Sunday’s procession - which is expected to draw thousands of people.

“I am proud Unite is one of the organisations involved with Sunday’s commemoration,” said Liane.

“The Battle of Cable Street is part of our history, one of which I am inspired by. When people stand together for good they can expel evil. Solidarity above all is the lesson Cable Street can teach us.”

The march assembles at noon on Sunday, October 9, at Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel Road.