An event to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Holbeck Moor, when Mosley’s Fascist Blackshirts were chased out of Leeds by 30,000 protesters, will take place on Sunday (27 September 2026), 5-9pm.
Last year a blue plaque was unveiled to mark the events of 1936 and Sunday’s event will start by the plaque at St Matthew’s Community Centre at 5pm, a procession will then move to Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck on Crosby Street for food, talks, stalls, and music.
Mark Krantz, author of ‘Bye Bye Blackshirt’, a comprehensive account of the campaigns against Mosley, will be joined by speakers about the Battle of Holbeck Moor. This will be followed by discussion and some music from Lewis Pugh. The event aims to finish at 9pm.
Stalls will include trade unions, campaigns and Bookmarks bookshop.
Michael Agboh-Davison, Unite the union organiser and author of a new book about the Battle of Holbeck Moor, said:
“In 1936, aristocrat Oswald Mosley tried to divide working people, stirring up hatred against the Jewish community. The people of Leeds were having none of it, and sent him and his Blackshirt thugs packing.
“In 2026, we’re once again seeing political movements run by rich men, seeking to divide and weaken our communities. It didn’t work 90 years ago and it won’t work now.
“Unite the union represents workers of all colours and faiths. We can only win improvements to our jobs, pay and conditions if we stick together – division and blame are the boss’s game.”
Organiser Sam Kirk from Leeds Stand Up To Racism added:
“It is important to commemorate the fact that 90 years ago10s of thousands stood up against Oswald Mosley who was whipping up racism against the Jewish community. Today we see others trying to the same to Muslims as well as Jews and those seeking asylum. When we see groups of men dressed in balaclavas attacking the RNLI, who put their lives on the line to save those in danger on our seas, we know we live in worrying times. Refugees are not to blame for the lack of funding in our housing and services. It is important we follow the example set by ordinary people on Holbeck Moor in 1936 and show the far right they are wrong. Leeds is diverse and we should celebrate that.”
Please book via Eventbrite to assist with catering.
Photo: crowds gathered for the unveiling of the blue plaque last year (credit: Dave Goodfield)
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