An antifascist rally is set to hit Shepton Mallet Market Place later this month — with organisers calling on residents to reject division and stand up to poverty.

The event will take place on Friday, 22 November at 12 noon, featuring music, dancing and speakers from a range of unions and campaign groups.

It's being led by Fergus Brown, who narrowly lost a recent Town Council by-election to a Reform UK candidate by just eight votes.

The result has triggered concern among campaigners, who say far-right rhetoric is "gaining a foothold" in the town. They've pointed to the election result — and a roundabout daubed in unauthorised paint — as signs of rising tensions.

The protest, they say, will focus on fighting poverty and inequality, not fuelling scapegoating.

Posters and leaflets will be distributed in the run-up, and organisers are promising a peaceful and public show of unity to "bring hope" to Shepton.

The line-up of speakers and performers is still to be confirmed.

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