In recent months Falkirk has been a key focus for far-right protests. Lewis Akers outlines a local-led strategy that has undermined their support

Trade Unions in the Community Forth Valley (TUiC) is a local group established by trade unionists in Falkirk around the time of the first racist protests outside the Cladhan Hotel.

The group offers a model for an alternative, complementary strategy to counter the far-right. Their focus is on building trust and relationships with working-class communities on the ground, promoting a vision of solidarity in contrast to the division fostered by Reform and local racist groups.

This weekend, the group organised a packed gig, Solidarity Sounds, at the independent  Rock Bottom bar, raising funds for Falkirk Foodbank, FOSS, and MAP. From the outset, it was clear the event would be a success, with tickets selling out within minutes. The bill was headlined by Brogeal, a band from Falkirk, supported by The Transmission Suite and Faust Doesn’t Exist.

Attendees were met by a Union Jack-waving far-right counter-protest outside the venue. A well-known figure from racist demonstrations, Mark Donald, harassed and filmed gig-goers as they entered, while another protester attempted to gain access via the back door to disrupt the event. Despite this, most attendees were unfazed, thanks in part to the additional security which included a former World’s Strongest Man.

The irony of the counter-protest was not lost on those present. Many of the same individuals who claim that ‘we need to look after our own’ were protesting a night of local music raising money for a local food bank.

During the gig, the lead singer of The Transmission Suite questioned why anyone would choose to spend their Saturday night harassing ordinary people trying to enjoy themselves and support good causes.

Headliners Brogeal, a band whose star only seems to be rising, blend the energy and ethos of punk with the storytelling and musicianship of folk. One of their singers, Aidan, is a regular supporter of local anti-racist counter-protests, and throughout the set he energised the crowd with clear opposition to racism and fascism, alongside an evident love for their hometown.

Alongside performing tracks from their recent album Tuesday Paper Club, a standout moment came with their cover of ‘Nazi’ by Chumbawamba. The song reflects on how, despite the defeat of Nazism in the Second World War, fascism and racism persist. 

The night offered a stark contrast between the two sides of the divide over the Cladhan Hotel. On one side: disruption, bitterness and division – standing outside while others build something positive. On the other: a vibrant, energetic display of unity, community and solidarity. It’s important that the left and anti-racist movement take politics seriously. But it’s equally important to build a counterculture—one that challenges racism and division by bringing people together to dance, sing, and enjoy themselves.