How to Defeat the Far Right

The Brighton Festival is reaching its 60th edition this year, marking a bit of a new chapter under the direction of Lucy Davies. As part of the programme, a session titled "How to Defeat the Far Right" is set to take place on 11 May at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange. The event is led by Nick Lowles, the activist and journalist behind the anti-fascist organisation HOPE not hate. It isn't a solo talk but a group discussion where various speakers respond to the central provocation of how to tackle extremist movements. The conversation is built around the lessons found in Lowles’ book, "How to Defeat the Far Right: Lessons From Hope Not Hate", which looks at how certain ideologies have moved from the margins into the mainstream of British life.

The themes for the evening are quite specific, focusing on the rise of intolerance, antisemitism, and islamophobia, as well as the influence of figures like Tommy Robinson and parties such as Reform UK. Lowles argues that the growth of these movements is often tied to a sense of community erosion and the way social media can amplify theories about 'civil war'. Rather than just listing concerns, the speakers will explore potential solutions, such as the need to reinvest in local power and fix the basic infrastructure that keeps communities connected. The idea is that restoring trust in the democratic system might help address the feeling of invisibility that many people experience.

For those interested in attending, the event is geared towards an adult audience with an interest in current affairs, human rights, and social activism. It is a paid event, and the timing for tickets is quite tight. General booking opens on 26 February 2026, but for those who are already festival members, the pre-sale started today, 19 February. It’s one of the more politically focused entries in this year’s festival calendar, providing a space to discuss the practicalities of community resistance and political stability within the Brighton locality.