Billy Bragg

Billy Bragg helps HOPE not hate celebrate 20 years opposing fascism with ‘HNH @20’ tour. HOPE not hate (HNH) is proud to present our dear friend Billy Bragg back in concert for us. We view ‘Uncle Bill’ as an integral part of the HOPE not hate family, so we’re delighted Billy and his son Jack Valero are joining us and our supporters in celebrating our twenty-year anniversary with a three date tour this May. Bill’s words and actions have galvanised thousands of antifascists across the country to campaign effectively against the extreme far – right. This is an election year; his words, support and encouragement are as relevant and important as they were Billy’s first HNH gig - to just a dozen, tired activists in a school hall in Dagenham way back in 2004. Since then, Billy has made dozens of appearances armed with guitar and leaflets – playing for handfuls and for thousands alike. During a difficult (but ultimately successful) campaign against the fascist British National Party (BNP) in 2010, Billy delivered refreshments to hungry and tired activists – before performing a storming set on the eve of the elections. That set – as much as any well received refreshment, inspired hundreds of people to join him for one more round of campaigning. Barking and Dagenham was liberated, and the fascists were finally sent packing. Speaking before the announcement, HNH’s Chief Executive Officer Nick Lowles said: “Billy Bragg is an inspiration to us. We’re not just indebted to him for his twenty years of support, but for his forty years of music, words and poetry. “His is the voice so many of us turn to when we look for someone or something to articulate how we feel about the many great injustices we confront. “We celebrated his forty years last year by recognising his contribution but the reality is, in every sense of the word, Billy Bragg is priceless. Now we are further indebted to Jack Valero, another brilliant singer and songwriter adding further voice to the campaign to fight racism and fascism and call for a fairer society for all.” Tickets via: www.billybragg.co.ukgiglistings