The need for a left alternative to Labour was a subject which penetrated many of the more than 100 sessions and rallies.
Over 3,500 people came to Marxism Festival in east London last weekend.
Hosted by the Socialist Workers Party, the four day event was a cauldron of anger at a capitalist society that oppresses, represses and exploits.
There were delegations from across Britain and internationally—socialists came from across Europe, South Korea, Turkey, Canada, Ghana, the United States and Australia.
Resistance to the ongoing genocide in Palestine and state repression of solidarity in Britain were major themes at the festival.
So was the desperate need for a left alternative for Labour, a subject which penetrated many of the more than 100 sessions and rallies.
At one, Palestinian revolutionary socialist Ramsis Kilani argued that liberation could come through international solidarity and struggles across the wider Middle East.
He said, “We Palestinians have a common interest with the working class and the masses in the region standing up against their own regimes.”
Franck Magennis spoke at the 1,000-strong opening rally last Thursday.
The barrister and supporter of Palestine Action told the crowd that the anti-terrorism powers used against Kneecap and others were “pioneered for use against Irish people that didn’t want to be dominated by the British empire”.
Elsewhere, Palestinian author Ghada Karmi detailed the dynamics of Western complicity, from arms to censorship. The discussion grappled with the role of imperialism, racism and Western supremacy.
At a meeting of well over 1,000 people, author Ilan Pappe discussed whether Zionism is finished.
Many of those listening raised points on whether Zionism’s end was certain—but everyone celebrated Palestinian resistance.
Veteran socialist and anti‑war activist Tariq Ali spoke about Gaza and Kashmir. He said that Israel’s genocide in Gaza should give us an idea of how European powers ruled during colonial times.
French Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan joined Marxism Festival just weeks after the Israeli state kidnapped her while on board the Freedom Flotilla aiming to break the siege of Gaza.
“Each one of us has to stand up to oppression, and the Freedom Flotilla was my way of doing that,” she said.
“I wasn’t elected to stay in my office—the next boat is coming soon.”
A vast array of subjects were discussed over the four-day festival.
Socialists from the United States brought the house down with tales of resistance in Los Angeles. They talked about how LA had become a city in revolt against racism.
The struggle of workers in Britain also featured heavily.
At a meeting titled Marxism and trade unions, a striker from Sheffield’s Veolia refuse dispute talked about the mass picket that is being planned on Wednesday.
Bin worker Steeven Bissett from the Birmingham spoke, saying he had collected over £800 for his indefinite strike’s solidarity fund and drummed up support for their mega picket on 25 July.
Elsewhere, Alex Mayer discussed the history and theory of disability. She said that there is an assumption that disabled people are miserable because of their impairments. But, she argued, for lots of people the exclusion they face is a far bigger source of distress.
Around 100 people packed into the discussion on conspiracy theories and the far right. A passionate and wide ranging discussion included young people talking about the deep penetration of right wing ideas on social media platforms.
There was a good debate between Marxist economists James Meadway and Joseph Choonara about the end of neoliberalism. And there were a very popular array of meetings discussing women’s oppression, including patriarchy theory, sexism today, imperialist feminism and abortion rights.
Other meetings and courses focused on how to resist the attacks on trans+ people.
Activists at them discussed liberation theory and also talked about workplace days of action, campus protests and a train station occupation in Manchester.
Meetings that discussed identity politics and the left were extremely popular.
In addition, there was a range of meetings on cultural topics, as well as poetry readings and musical performances.
I went to the meeting on fascism, and it made me think about how important anti-fascist demonstrations are. I’m going to be protesting Tommy Robinson on 13 September.
It’s easy to think one demo doesn’t matter. But when you see them in their wider context it becomes more crucial.
Olivia, Manchester
I’m at my first Marxism Festival. The panel on Sudan was amazing. It was packed out.
Sometimes there can be a disconnect between the audience and the people talking from the top table. But this was people speaking about their lived experience.
Via, Sheffield
The genocide in Gaza, and the capitulation of reformists to it, convinced me of revolutionary ideas. Even Bernie Sanders refuses to condemn it in the United States. It is proof you can’t trust them.
I don’t know enough to explain to other people why they should be Marxists. That is why I’m going to some of the historical talks. I’ve just finished uni and now I want to get involved in building organisation.
Owen, London
It’s my first time attending Marxism Festival properly. I’m interested in socialism as a concept, but I don’t understand the theory or feel educated enough to have these conversations.
But this festival feels very accessible and a way for me to approach Marxism and have these conversations.
Maia, London
I listened to strikers talking yesterday—including a Birmingham bin striker. He spoke about what they risk losing if the strike doesn’t win.
So, I’m going to try and go to the mega picket happening this month.
Sara, London
A staffing crisis in the NHS
Health workers set to strike across four Manchester hospitals
Bus workers rejected an offer and came back out
