"it’s a statement about who we are as a city."
Unite the People will host its official festival launch in Birmingham in May 2026, aiming to bring communities together through music, activism and shared values.
The official festival launch will take place on May 2 at the Midland Arts Centre, from 6 pm to 10 pm.
The outdoor area will be transformed into a carnival-style space featuring live music, spoken word, food and community action.
Taking place over the May Day weekend, it draws on the legacy of International Workers’ Day.
Organisers say the timing offers a direct response to growing social division across the UK. Rooted in Birmingham’s multicultural identity, the event aims to celebrate diversity while challenging racism, scapegoating and far-right extremism.
Mukhtar Das, Creative Director of Unite the People, said:
“This isn’t just a cultural event; it’s a statement about who we are as a city.
“Birmingham has always been shaped by its diversity, and that diversity is our strength. At a time when division is being amplified, we’re choosing to stand together and celebrate what connects us.”
The event will be headlined by reggae band LEGEND, who will perform music inspired by Bob Marley and his messages of unity and peace.
They will be joined by a diverse line-up of local artists, including Myki Tuff, Ras King Bobo, Sanyogita Kumari, Banner Theatre and Birmingham Poet Laureate Ayan Aden.
Award-winning journalist and author Gary Younge will also appear as a guest speaker.
Rising rap artist Spektive is set to perform during the evening. His track ‘This is England’ gained widespread attention online for its exploration of identity, belonging and modern British life.
Alongside the performances, organisers have planned live drumming, a young people’s programme, spoken word showcases and community stalls.
Anti-racism organisations will also be present, creating a space designed to encourage dialogue and collective action.
Anti-racism campaigner Tracy Abrahams is co-hosting the evening and said:
“Right now, we’re seeing communities being divided and scapegoated.
“The festival is about people coming together and pushing back against that. This is what community looks like – standing up to racism, oppression and discrimination in unity. Refusing to be silenced.
“It’s a celebration of strength, culture, and shared humanity.”
Spektive said: “Birmingham is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, and that’s something to be proud of.
“Events like this show that unity isn’t just an idea; it’s something we live and create together.
“Music has always been a way to bring people together, especially when things feel divided.”
A spokesperson from LEGEND added: “The message of reggae, and of Bob Marley, has always been about unity, standing up to injustice, and love for one another.
“Bringing that message to a Birmingham audience, in our home city, at a time like this feels both powerful and necessary.”
The launch comes amid growing national momentum around anti-racism and social unity, including recent demonstrations organised by Together Alliance, which campaigners describe as the largest anti-racist mobilisation in UK history.
The May event will mark the beginning of the wider Unite the People Festival, which is expected to take place later this year in Centenary Square.
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