Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

Granada TV’s chief news presenter, Bob Greaves, signed the Anti Nazi League’s founding statement in 1977. He is pictured here speaking at the Northern Carnival rally. Granada Reports covered the Carnival, unlike the Manchester Evening News, which opted only to report on traffic delays caused by the march.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

This photo, taken by John Sturrock, shows a group of young people at the rally in Strangeways held prior to the gig. Some were members of the Star Quality Steel Band. They travelled on the steel band's float from the prison to Alex Park.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

Bob Greaves (Granada news reader) addresses the rally. Other speakers included Ramila Patel (Bolton Asian Youth Movement), Colin Barnett, secretary of the North West TUC (far left of picture, Frank Allaun MP (third from right) and Paul Holborrow (ANL - second right).

Photo © Richard Bundy.

The rally at Strangeways.

Photo © John Sturrock

Colin Barnett, secretary of the North West TUC addresses the crowd. Colin led the march to Alexandra Park.

This is an interview with creator of the Ghast Up! fanzine, Martin Ryan, by project volunteer Drew Ellery.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978.

Anti-Nazi League organiser Paul Holborrow addresses the crowd.

Photo © Geoff Brown

Following her brave stance against National Front leader Martin Webster, Ramila Patel, aged just 21, addressed the rally at Strangeways that preceded the Northern Carnival. Other speakers included Colin Barnett, secretary of the North West TUC and Frank Allaun MP. The rally was held at Strangeways because the prison had a reputation for employing warders who were members of the National Front.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

This woman, whose name is unknown, stormed the platform at the rally to protest against the lack of black speakers. The rally attracted approximately 15,000 protesters and was followed by a march from Strangeways prison to Alexandra Park where the Northern Carnival was being held. Volunteer stewards arrived at the prison early in the morning to persuade people not to park their cars there.

Photo © Geoff Brown

During the march from Strangeways to Alexandra Park, local bands played on borrowed flatbed trucks to keep the thronging protesters entertained. Diesel generators were hired to put on the back, powering the amps. The bands included Mick Hucknall’s Frantic Elevators, various members of the Manchester Musicians’ Collective and a local steel band.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

The rally before the Carnival. A SKAN (School Kids against the Nazis) placard can be seen in this shot.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

Youngsters getting involved at the rally. It is estimated that the average age of attendees of the Carnival was 15.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

This banner, made by the Stockport Branch of the National Union of Public Employees, states: ‘The Blood of all Races Nourishes the NHS’. The banner’s message, which reminds people of the contribution migrant workers make to the National Health Service, continues to be drawn upon in public debate in the UK in 2018.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

Some classic ANL badges and a 'Never Again' patch are being sported by this rather determined looking young man at the rally preceding the Carnival. His placard is the classic Dave King-designed 'Stop the Nazi Front'.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

A vast crowd amasses around the Star Quality Steel band at the rally before the Carnival.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

During the march from Strangeways to Alexandra Park, local bands played on borrowed flatbed trucks to keep the thronging protesters entertained. Diesel generators were hired to put on the back, powering the amps. The bands included Mick Hucknall’s Frantic Elevators, various members of the Manchester Musicians’ Collective and a local steel pan band.

If you can name any of these musicians, please contact info@mdmarchive.co.uk.

Photo © Geoff Brown

The rally was held at Strangeways, because the prison had a reputation for employing warders who were members of the National Front.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

Rally attendees cheering the speeches. The rally was held at Strangeways because the prison had a reputation for employing warders who were members of the National Front.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

The rally at Strangeways before the Carnival. Many marchers are carrying the instantly recognisable Anti Nazi League ‘lollipops’ that had been put together using plywood sticks and cardboard by Manchester Polytechnic students in the days leading up to the Carnival.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

The banner in the background of this image reads ‘Hulme tenants, black and white, unite and fight.’ At this time there were a number of groups campaigning to improve conditions in council housing in Hulme. Many different organisations, including trade unions, student groups and gay rights activists came together to march to the Northern Carnival in defiance of racism and fascism.

Photo © Martin O'Neill.

A great shot of some peroxide punks soaking up the atmosphere on the back of a flat bed truck at the rally before the Northern Carnival Against the Nazis, 1978.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

Rally attendees cheering the speeches. The rally was held at Strangeways because the prison had a reputation for employing warders who were members of the National Front.

Photo © Phil Ramsell & Roseanne McNamee

During the march from Strangeways to Alexandra Park, local bands played on borrowed flatbed trucks to keep the thronging protesters entertained. Diesel generators were hired to put on the back, powering the amps. The bands included Mick Hucknall’s Frantic Elevators, various members of the Manchester Musicians’ Collective and a local steel band.

Photo © John Sturrock, 1978

Police carrying their macs on what turned out to be a very sunny day. Despite tensions between police and the community at that time, the day passed without incident.