ON an autumn day in 1933, thousands of Stockton people rose up against a rising tide of fascism and chased 150 ‘blackshirts’ out of their town.

Members of the British Union of Fascists had travelled from across the country to stage a rally in the centre of the town.

According to one historic newspaper report, they were met by a crowd of several thousand people and a skirmish eventually unfolded which saw potatoes laced with safety razors thrown and where “sticks appeared as if by magic”.

The violent skirmish, which ended with battered and bruised fascists fleeing for their buses, went down in history as the Battle of Stockton.

A campaign has now been launched to commemorate the efforts of those who stood up to fascism and drove them from the streets of Stockton on September 10, 1933.

The Battle of Stockton Campaign aims to “immortalise the events in the imagination of the town”, with members believing not enough is known about the efforts of the townspeople to resist the blackshirts.

Those involved with the social history project want to see a plaque erected, a mural commemorating the event displayed in the town centre and a yearly event held with performances, music and speakers. Educational outreach events are also being planned.

Campaigner Sharon Bailey said: “When I found out about the Battle of Stockton it struck me how how little was known about it in comparison to similar events like those at Cable Street.

“It is a substantial part of Stockton’s history and was a significant event yet a lot in Stockton don’t know about it.

“We need to change that – the British Union of Fascists came in and the people of Stockton stood up to them.

“They said they would not stand for hatred or racism in their town and we feel it is still important to send out that message, especially at a time when the far right are growing.”

The BoS Campaign will hold a fundraising gig on Friday, May 11 at Stockton’s Georgian Theatre with performances from acts including The Evans Brothers, Uncle Buzzard and Nephilim and the Artisans.

The event will also feature an auction of artwork by artist Keith Palmer. Advance tickets are £7.50 and all proceeds will go towards the campaign.

Campaigners say significant progress has also been made in planning an event to be held to mark the anniversary of the battle.

On Sunday, September 9, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled by Stockton’s mayor, Eileen Johnson, with other politicians and speakers also joining her to mark the occasion.

  • The team behind the BoS campaign are grateful to have received a number of donations, including £2,000 from Unison and £1,700 from Unite the Union as well as other smaller amounts.
  • Anyone interested in taking part in the campaign can email campaign@battleofstockton.com or visit facebook.com/thebattleofstocktoncampaign

To book tickets for the fundraising gig, visit georgiantheatre.co.uk.