Tower Hamlets (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Tower Hamlets stands against hate with a weekend of events, including Town Hall celebrations and Brick Lane Curry Festival, highlighting diversity, migration history, and community unity, with 90% of residents reporting harmony.
As Tower Hamlets News reported, Tower Hamlets is taking a stand against hate after far-right groups held demonstrations in London last weekend. The marches aimed to spread fear and intimidate local communities. Council leaders said the events were disturbing and warned that the borough will not accept discrimination or harassment.
Residents said the protests brought back memories of a time when racism openly existed. Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said that it was disconcerting to see far-right groups emboldened – the borough had worked extremely hard to create an equitable and fair society.
“That’s why I’m proud to announce that Tower Hamlets Council will be dedicating next weekend to a celebration of East London’s diversity in the face of these attempts by the far right to stir up racism and division,”
Lutfur Rahman said.
How is Tower Hamlets celebrating diversity and standing against hate this weekend?
In response, the council will hold a full day of celebrations this Saturday, Sep 20, 2025, at the Town Hall. The event will recognise the borough’s diverse communities and its long history, shaped by migration from around the world.
Visitors can expect live performances from local and international artists, cultural displays, and workshops for families. Children and adults will have the chance to join interactive activities celebrating the borough’s multicultural spirit.
At 2:00 PM, the council will unveil commemorative plaques marking the reopening of one of the UK’s most important civic buildings. Officials said the event is both a celebration and a statement of resilience.
Tower Hamlets is bringing back the famous Brick Lane Curry Festival after almost 10 years. The festival is organised with the Banga Town Traders Association and will take place all weekend in what is widely known as the UK’s ‘curry capital.’
There are plenty of both traditional and contemporary food options for visitors. According to council officials, the event celebrates the borough’s rich food history while bringing the community together. Residents and visitors will get to experience the creativity, culture, and diversity of the area.
“I’m proud that our community continues to stand united against attempts by the far right to divide us with hatred and prejudice,”
Lutfur Rahman said.
The weekend events are free and open to all. They aim to unite the community through food, art, and culture. Tower Hamlets has a strong history of standing against racism. The borough has resisted hate from the Battle of Cable Street nearly 90 years ago, to the response after Altab Ali’s murder in 1978, and by preventing the English Defence League from marching in 2011 and 2013.
Council leaders said Tower Hamlets remains one of the most diverse and cohesive boroughs in the country. Around 90% of residents from different backgrounds report getting along well. Officials said the East End has never let racists divide the community and will continue to stand together to promote inclusion and unity.