A march against racism will take place on Sunday (July 17) when Hammersmith and Fulham Council puts on a Unity Day.

The all-day event will begin with march from Shepherd’s Bush Green to Ravenscourt Park at 11.30am.

Following that, there will be a celebration rally at the park, off Paddenswick Road, running from 1pm-4pm, which will include live music, international food stall, and speakers.

Road closures and restrictions will be put in place as a result of the event, with motorists advised to make alternative plans as a result.

The event has been organised following a recent increase in racist and xenophobic abuse and attacks, following Britain’s decision to leave the European Union .

Police are investigating graffiti left on the Polish centre in King Street in Hammersmith as hate crime, though this has been challenged by some within the community .

'Stand up and be proud'

Council leader Stephen Cowan said: “Generations of good, brave people fought to kick racism out of British society, but racist incidents are on the increase.

"A small number of people unfortunately feel they have been given permission by recent events to let their inner ignorance speak out.

“Last week Hammersmith’s Polish Centre was daubed with racist graffiti and there has been a 500% increase in the number of reported hate crimes.

“In recent weeks too many of our friends and neighbours have been confronted by racist and xenophobic incidents: people asked why they’re still here; told to go home; told we voted for you to leave and worse.

That’s just not the country we are and it certainly is not the country we are going to become.

“On Sunday July 17, the vast majority of us will have a chance to stand up and state that we are proud of all the good people that have made their home in Hammersmith and Fulham: those who came from the other 27 EU countries, and those from everywhere else in the world.”

As a result of the Unity Day, there will be parking suspension from 8am-2pm and partial road closures from 11am-2pm on:

  • Westbound Goldhawk Road from Shepherd Bush Green to Stamford Brook Road roundabout

  • Southbound Goldhawk Road from Stamford Brook Road roundabout to King Street

  • Eastbound King Street from Goldhawk junction to Ravenscourt Avenue

  • North/southbound Ravenscourt Avenue

  • Ravenscourt Avenue will be closed between 11am and 2pm