In the 1970s Nazi organisations attempted to blame Britain’s problems on the black and Asian population. There was an increase in racist attacks and the National Front made electoral gains, receiving 140,000 votes in the Greater London Council elections of 1977. In east London the NF polled 19 percent in Bethnal Green and their leader John Tyndall planned to stand in Hackney South in the next general election. The NF held street sales most Saturdays on Brick Lane and in Stratford, intimidating and attacking those who opposed them.

In this atmosphere anti-racist musicians and music fans were outraged when rock stars Eric Clapton and David Bowie made racist comments and gestures. They formed Rock Against Racism, which worked with the Anti Nazi League to put on concerts and events.

On 30 April 1978 Rock Against Racism’s “Carnival Against the Nazis” took place in Victoria Park. A crowd of 80,000 marched eight miles from Trafalgar Square to Victoria Park to hear sets from X Ray Spex, The Clash and Tom Robinson. More than a political rally and more than just a concert, the event brought people together through music to take a determined stand against racism. Founding member of RAR, Red Saunders recalled, “I ran on stage shouting ‘this ain’t no fucking Woodstock ... this is the Carnival against the Nazis...’ I remember a massive roar of approval from the crowd.” The connection between music and politics helped to beat the NF in the 1970s.

On 27 April 2008 Love Music Hate Racism held a 30th anniversary carnival in Victoria Park as part of the campaign against the Nazi BNP today.