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 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, and activist Emma King.

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.

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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