Watch Fatboy Slim play impromptu set at anti-fascism protest rally in Brighton

On a sweltering June afternoon in Brighton, the city's train station became an unlikely venue for a musical intervention. Fatboy Slim, the city's beloved son and renowned DJ, had decided to join the Carnival Against Fascism counter-protest rally, assembling a makeshift stage and setting up his decks to play to a sea of enthusiastic marchers. The scene was a powerful display of resistance, as thousands gathered to oppose an anti-immigration demo planned by far-right groups in the city.

As the counter-protest rally unfolded, Fatboy Slim took to the stage, his music serving as a potent counterpoint to the xenophobic rhetoric of the far-right activists. "Never been more proud of my home town," he later posted on Instagram, summing up the sentiment of the day. The hashtag DiscoVsFascism soon began trending on social media, with many taking to Twitter to share videos of the impromptu performance.

The Carnival Against Fascism rally was more than just a counter-protest; it was a demonstration of the city's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. With an estimated 4000 people in attendance, the event outnumbered the 300 attendees at the anti-immigration rally organised by the South East Patriots. The contrast was stark, and it served as a powerful rebuke to the far-right's divisive rhetoric.

The rally was also evidence of the power of community organising and the importance of standing up against hate. In a city known for its vibrant cultural scene and strong sense of community, the Carnival Against Fascism rally was a celebration of the values that make Brighton a welcoming and inclusive place.

Fatboy Slim's decision to join the counter-protest rally was a powerful statement in itself. As a prominent figure in the music industry, his presence lent credibility and visibility to the cause. His music, too, has long been a voice for the marginalised and oppressed, with songs like "Praise You" becoming anthems for those seeking to challenge the status quo.

In joining the counter-protest rally, Fatboy Slim was drawing on a long tradition of musicians using their platforms to speak out against injustice. From Billy Bragg's activism to Jessie Ware's advocacy for social justice, the music industry has a long history of using its voice to challenge the powers that be.

The Carnival Against Fascism rally in Brighton was part of a larger movement against the far-right in the UK and beyond. In March, a massive march was held in London, organised by the Together Alliance, with reportedly half a million people taking to the streets to stand up for unity and to build public awareness about the growing threat of the far right. The Metropolitan police estimated that between 110,000 and 150,000 people attended the "unite the kingdom" rally in central London in September 2025, where Tommy Robinson and Elon Musk were among the speakers.

As the far-right continues to gain traction, it's heartening to see communities coming together to resist its divisive rhetoric. The Carnival Against Fascism rally in Brighton was a powerful reminder that music can be a powerful tool for change, and that together, we can create a more just and inclusive society.

In a world where hate and intolerance threaten to tear us apart, it's more important than ever that we stand up for what we believe in. As Fatboy Slim's music continues to inspire and uplift, we can draw on his example and use our own voices to challenge the status quo and create a brighter future for all.

• The Carnival Against Fascism rally in Brighton drew an estimated 4000 people.
• The anti-immigration rally organised by the South East Patriots attracted around 300 attendees.
• Eight people were arrested during the rally for various offences.
• Fatboy Slim played an impromptu set at the counter-protest rally.