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Crowds turn out for Salford May Day march as calls for unity ring out

Diverse crowd of protesters holding green-and-purple signs that say 'Unite against the far right' in front of a brick archway.

People from across Salford turned out in good numbers for this year’s May Day march (Monday 4th May), with trade unionists, campaigners and local residents coming together in a show of unity.

The march, organised by Salford Trades Union Council, set off from the Working Class Movement Library before slowly making its way along Chapel Street to Sacred Trinity Church, where a rally took place.

Drums, banners and chants gave the procession a lively feel, with passers-by stopping to watch and, in some cases, join in. The annual event remains a key date in Salford’s calendar, reflecting the city’s long-standing links to the labour movement.

There was a more than noticeable show of support from the crowd for currently suspended Salford Council worker Ameen Hadi, who was warmly received during the rally. Applause and cheers followed his contribution, highlighting the backing he has among those in attendance.

Group of people playing drums on a city sidewalk in front of a stone building, wearing dark hoodies and jackets.
A group of protesters holding a large green and purple banner that reads 'UNITE AGAINST THE FAR RIGHT' with others standing behind.
Group of protesters marching through a city square holding banners, including a Salford Trades Union Council banner and a large purple UNISON banner.
Crowd of protesters marching on a cobblestone street with banners and flags, including a large black banner reading 'North West Unison Black Members'.
Group of adults posing for a photo on a cobblestone street under an overpass, graffiti wall to the left.
Group of diverse protesters on a city street holding green and purple signs urging unity against the far right (UNISON)
Woman in a long black puffer coat speaks into a handheld microphone outdoors, holding a phone or notes, with graffiti wall behind and a man reading papers nearby.
Blonde woman in a navy puffer jacket speaks into a handheld microphone, holding papers beside a parked car in a street protest.
A blonde woman speaks into a microphone beside a group of protesters under a brick archway, with banners and a car in the background.
Three protesters stand beside a graffiti-covered brick wall, holding a bright green and purple banner that reads 'Unite Against the Far Right' and 'Defend Ameen Hadi' and 'Defend Salford City UNISON.'
Older man with glasses speaks into a handheld microphone outdoors, gesturing with his other hand, wearing a green jacket over a blue shirt.
Two smiling women stand close together in the foreground on a city street, one wearing a red jacket and the other a beige coat.
Large group of protesters holding green and purple signs, gathered in a cobblestone street under a brick arch bridge.
Group of protesters holding a bright green-and-purple banner opposing the far right, with others nearby and a brick wall in the background.
Diverse crowd of protesters holding green-and-purple signs that say 'Unite against the far right' in front of a brick archway.

Speeches on the day struck a passionate tone, particularly from Rebecca Long-Bailey and Jenni Smith of Salford Loaves and Fishes. Both spoke about the pressures facing local communities and the importance of people standing together, messages which clearly resonated with the crowd. Salford Your Party’s John Warmisham also gave an impassioned speech which was received well by the gathered crowds.

Smiling man wearing a gray windbreaker and beige cap at an outdoor event, a colorful sign in front of him and banners in the background.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett had been expected to attend, but organisers confirmed he was unable to make it due to a family issue.

After the march, people gathered at the church for refreshments, stalls and conversations with local groups, giving the event a community feel beyond the speeches.

Overall, the day had a strong turnout and a positive atmosphere, with many leaving feeling that the message of solidarity had come through clearly.

Picture of Carl Davison

Carl Davison

Editor in Chief of Salford Media, won an award for something or other and has been banging on about it ever since. He also has type 1 diabetes but doesn't like to talk about it... much.