Lewisham Music stands with all our communities especially those impacted directly or indirectly by the far-right violence which has taken place across the country in recent weeks.
We reject racism and Islamophobia in all its forms. Our work celebrates the diversity of our brilliant borough, and we work every day to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included in our work.
Music has always allowed individuals and communities to explore and celebrate their identities. It is a uniting force which connects us and helps us understand and celebrate different cultures.
Lewisham has a particularly long history of anti-racism activism and protest, and therefore we wanted to take this opportunity to look back to 1977’s Battle of Lewisham.

It is heart-breaking that 47 years later, the fight goes on. But we are proud to serve a community who have always rejected hatred and championed diversity, something we saw again during the anti-racism rally in Lewisham last week. Lewisham is also the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary and is proud to welcome migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.
Borough of Sanctuary

The Battle of Lewisham: A symbol of resistance and the soundtrack of a community
On August 13, 1977, the streets of Lewisham in South East London became the battleground for one of the most significant anti-racist demonstrations in UK history. This subsequently became known as the ‘Battle of Lewisham’. This pivotal event in the history of British activism not only marked a turning point in the fight against the far-right National Front but also intertwined with Lewisham’s rich cultural and musical heritage, shaping the community’s identity as a beacon of resistance and creativity.
What happened
The National Front (NF), a far-right political party known for its racist ideologies, organised a march from New Cross to Catford under the pretext of protesting against street crime. However, the true intent behind this march was to intimidate and assert dominance over the local Black community. The NF’s presence in the area was a direct threat to the multicultural fabric of Lewisham, a borough with a growing population of immigrants from the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia.

In response, a broad coalition of anti-fascist groups, including local residents, community organisations, and left-wing activists, came together to block the NF’s march. The confrontation was intense, with thousands of protesters clashing with the police, who were there to protect the NF marchers. The battle resulted in numerous injuries, arrests, and widespread disruption, but it was the anti-fascist protesters who ultimately claimed victory, preventing the NF from completing their march and sending a strong message that their racist ideologies would not be tolerated in Lewisham.
The legacy
The Battle of Lewisham is remembered not just for the physical confrontation, but for the broader impact it had on the fight against racism in the UK. It marked the first time that the National Front faced significant and organised opposition, leading to a decline in their influence and recruitment. The battle also galvanised the anti-racist movement, leading to the formation of more organised groups and initiatives dedicated to promoting equality and opposing fascism across the country.

This legacy of resistance is deeply woven into the cultural and social fabric of Lewisham, influencing its music scene and broader community identity. The borough’s history of activism and standing up for equality has become a source of pride and inspiration, especially for the younger generations who continue to champion these values through art, music, and social activism.
Lewisham’s musical heritage and activism
The music scene in Lewisham has long been a powerful platform for activism and social change. The borough’s rich musical heritage is rooted in its diverse community, with influences from Caribbean, African, and other cultures blending to create a unique and vibrant soundscape. This musical diversity has been a reflection of the borough’s multiculturalism and a testament to its inclusive spirit.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the emergence of reggae, punk, and ska in Lewisham played a significant role in shaping the borough’s identity as a hub of resistance against racism and oppression. These genres, often infused with politically charged lyrics, became the soundtrack of the anti-racist movement. Bands like Steel Pulse and The Clash, though not exclusively from Lewisham, resonated with the local population and provided anthems for the struggle against the National Front and other far-right groups.
Events like “Rock Against Racism,” which were held in response to the rise of the NF, saw musicians and activists coming together to use music as a weapon against racism. These concerts and festivals were not just about entertainment; they were political statements, bringing people together to celebrate diversity and reject hatred. Lewisham, with its history of activism, was a natural home for such events, further solidifying its reputation as a borough that stood firmly against injustice.

The contemporary scene and ongoing activism
Today, Lewisham’s music scene continues to reflect its activist roots. The borough has produced and nurtured a new generation of artists who are not only talented musicians but also vocal advocates for social justice. From grime to hip-hop to jazz, the sounds emerging from Lewisham are still infused with the spirit of resistance that defined the Battle of Lewisham.
Initiatives like “We Are Lewisham,” which celebrated the borough’s designation as the London Borough of Culture in 2022, highlight the ongoing relationship between music, culture, and activism in Lewisham. The year-long programme featured a range of events, including concerts, debates, and public art installations, all inspired by Lewisham’s history of standing up for equality and justice. These events provided a platform for local artists to showcase their work while also engaging the community in conversations about the borough’s past, present, and future.
A defining moment
The Battle of Lewisham was more than just a clash on the streets; it was a defining moment in the fight against racism in the UK and a catalyst for change in the community. Its legacy lives on in Lewisham’s vibrant music scene, where the sounds of resistance continue to echo through the streets. As the borough looks to the future, it carries with it the lessons of the past, ensuring that Lewisham remains a place where diversity is celebrated, and the fight for equality endures.


Battle of Lewisham film
The film depicts the infamous events of 13 August 1977, with testimony from eyewitnesses varying, and often contradicting official reports, the battle has become a contested historical event. Among the events captured is the Bishop of Southwark’s speech to the anti-fascist protesters in Ladywell Fields before the march, the National Front march being escorted through New Cross by police, and the clash between protesters and police in Lewisham town centre.
Originally distributed on VHS to anti-racist groups by Albany Video in Deptford in the 1970s and early ’80s, the film has for long been considered lost or destroyed. It was recently discovered in the archive of production company Spectacle.
Lewisham Music
Lewisham Music is deeply committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the community. We actively work to ensure that our programmes and services are accessible to all, regardless of background or identity.

Through various projects and initiatives, such as collaborations with other music education hubs and sector-leading equality charity ‘brap’, and joining Youth Music’s Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Accessible (IDEA) programme, we foster an inclusive environment where every individual’s musical identity and voice are valued. Our efforts are not just about providing access to music education but also about amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, ensuring that everyone in the community can engage with and benefit from the charity.