Birmingham became the focal point of political contention as Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party held a rally at the Utilita Arena on Saturday, attracting an estimated 10,000-15,000 supporters from across the country. The gathering, aimed at bolstering Reform UK’s campaign for upcoming local council elections, was met with a strong counter-demonstration of approximately 300 anti-racism protesters.
Protesters chanted slogans like “racist scum out of Brum” and waved banners, but their messages were largely drowned out by the distance and barriers separating them from the Reform UK supporters who filed quietly into the venue. The protest eventually moved to Centenary Square where music and speeches were planned to highlight concerns that Reform UK’s rhetoric could potentially stoke division within communities.
Inside the arena, Reform UK projected messages like “Your Council is Broken. Reform Will Fix It” while upbeat pop tunes like Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” played to energize the crowd.
Despite Birmingham having no local elections scheduled until next year, Farage’s rally aimed to capitalise on public dissatisfaction over rising council taxes and deteriorating local services. Billboards placed around the arena cited issues such as the 62,228 unfilled potholes in Nottinghamshire alone.
Jack, a 78-year-old from Sunderland who attended the event, said he had previously attended a Reform UK rally in the North East and had travelled to Birmingham to “help give the party a boost, some umph.”
Meanwhile, a counter-event titled “No thanks Nigel” was held over in Digbeth, hosted by Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana and former Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell. Their event aimed to rally opposition against Farage’s presence in the city and challenge his party’s policies.
While Reform UK continues its push for electoral success, its arrival in Birmingham highlights the intense opposition it faces from sections of the public concerned about the party’s message and its impact on social unity.
