May Day Weekend 2025
May Day Weekend: The Rise of the Far Right
2 - 4 May
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It is difficult to fully understand the the significance of various developments when you are living through history. However, it has become very clear that the Far Right is rising in influence both at home and abroad and in some cases, moving towards fascism. The theme for this weekend was fixed before Trump was elected and has thus become more relevant than ever.
This weekend presents a range of events where, in most cases, an existing routine club activity has taken on the theme. The series of talks followed by small group discussions will take a more considered look at the what, where and why of this trend and hopefully collectively come to some ideas of who we can respond as individuals or as a community.
FRIDAY 2 MAY
7.30 pm EXHIBITION AND TALK
The will be a pop-up exhibition showing the works of artists who responded to the Far Right and Fascism over history. They will include works by Goya, Picasso, a wonderful 1937 Miro poster and, hopefully, some almost originals from the so-called Paris Student Revolt of May 1968. They will also include some works of Ghislaine Howard from her 'Towards an impossible Painting' exhibition to commemorate the Peterloo Massacre. This exhibition will be on display until 29 May.
This exhibition with an illustrated lecture by Michael Howard, author of ‘An Evening at the Cabaret Voltaire, Zürich Dada 1916-7; ‘Goya’ and ‘L.S. Lowry: A Visionary Artist’.
In this talk, Michael will exploring the responses of artist to the challenge of making an ‘Art in Difficult Times’ by examining the life and work of a number of artists including Francisco Goya, the Zürich Dadaists, Joan Miro, Picasso, Theodore Major and . . . Glossop’s own Ghislaine Howard.
Art serves many purposes - it can serve to placate, educate, celebrate, denigrate. It can be called upon to promote or comment on any number of social, political and religious issues or indeed, to operate as a means of resistance to those very issues.
There will be a collection after the talk for 
UKMed . This humanitarian medical aid charity provides health care to those impacted by disasters or conflicts/
SATURDAY 3 MAY
2pm TALKS
Matt Patterson, Professor of International Politics, University of Manchester
From donning 'green' clothes to attacking green action
Charting the history of the far right trying to paint themselves as green, to Reform being very explicitly an anti-environmentalist organisation.
Lloyd Wong, Member of Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor
The Labour Movement in Hong Kong & China under Authoritarianism.
Hong Kong, once a city striving for liberty against tyranny, is now firmly under the control of an authoritarian regime. Formerly a colony of the British Empire, Hong Kong lies at the southernmost part of China and played a vital role in the country’s modernisation. The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions was not only the city’s largest independent trade union but also the only one of its kind in all of China. This presentation will explore the history of Hong Kong’s working-class struggles and examine recent developments in China.
Ruth George, Independent candidate for DCC, former Labour MP and councillor
Bringing Politics back to the People
4pm DISCUSSION
After a short break, participants are invited to join small groups to discuss how people can, whether individually or collectively, respond to the rise of the Far Right. This will be followed by a plenary discussion where each group can share their insights and possible strategies. There will be a follow up to these discussions at the next "Political Mondays" session at the club on 26 May.
8pm GIG
Holly Carter presents “Don’t Mourn – Organise” - A tribute to Joe Hill
Multi-award-winning instrumentalist and singer-songwriter who, at 29 years old, has already established a reputation as one of Bristol’s leading fingerstyle guitarists and is one of the UK’s only professional female pedal steel players.
Holly performs a live tribute to one of America's most prolific and influential musical troubadours. Joe Hill was a Swedish-American activist, and musician. He became a household name in 1914 after his controversial trial and subsequent execution for murder; many argued that he had been framed for his political activities.
Tickets (£10 ADV, £12 OTD) available from the club, George Street Community Bookshop or
SUNDAY 4 MAY
11am FAMILY FRIENDLY FILM
Mini Cine presents “Chicken Run” in association with Glossop Woodcraft Folk. Free Entry but £3 donation welcomed.
Glossop Woodcraft currently run weekly sessions, every Monday at 5.30 pm, at the club for Elfins They have recently branched out to show regular film sessions for children which have proved to be very popular.
For those who don't know Chicken Run, it is an animated film, Wallace and Gromit style, that revolves around a group of chickens planning to escape from a farm. A gripping but playful plot with lots of nice messages about feminism, solidarity, collective action and winning over repression.
It is hoped that participants will stay on for the community lunch to follow.
1pm COMMUNITY LUNCH
Hot vegetarian first course with dessert provided by Social Sundays to follow the film
Throughout the winter months, the club has provided free "Social Sundays" for the community to join us for a free hot meal, puddings, refreshments as well as craft and kids activities. The menu each week was determined by the surplus fresh food left over from the Friday Whitfield Food Club. Any food left after than was free to pick up for people attending the Food Bank at the club each Tuesday.
Social Sundays have become a very vibrant event within our community, bringing together members for conversation and camaraderie.
7.30pm FILM
Red Film Club presents "I Am Still Here"
Based on a true story under the1970s Brazilian dictatorship, Eunice Paiva, a mother of five, must reinvent herself and her family when authorities abduct her husband. Entry by donations (£4 suggested)
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