Arranged by Scotland Demands Better campaigners
A mini music festival is to be held by anti-poverty campaigners marking the end to a national march for a better Scotland.
The Scotland Demands Better march in Edinburgh on Saturday 25 October is taking place with the support of more than 230 anti-poverty groups, trade unions, faith groups, environmental activists, charities, and community organisations.
Thousands of people are expected to join the demonstration, starting from the Scottish Parliament and finishing in the Meadows, where there will be a family-friendly rally with speeches, entertainment, and music.
Top of the bill will be joyful dance ensemble Colonel Mustard & The Dijon Five (pictured). The Glasgow band are festival favourites and this summer supported UB40.
Frontman John McMustard said the band was looking forward to standing alongside campaigners.
“The inequality in society is what fuels poverty and injustice,” he said. “Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5 include teachers and nurses in our ranks, and we see the difficulties of people living in poverty first-hand, and always strive for equality, fairness and respect.
“We are proud to be playing at the Scotland Demands Better march where we can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with organisations, trade unions and ordinary people who want a better and more equal society for all.
“We look forward to bringing the festival atmosphere for a party at the end, to celebrate the unity and hard work that has went into the day.”
Joining Colonel Mustard at the rally will be acclaimed Glasgow rapper Bemz – a winner of BBC Introducing’s Scottish Act of the Year, and Declan Welsh, singer-songwriter and frontman with Scottish indie punk favourites Declan Welsh and The Decadent West.
Bemz said: "I’m looking forward to take part in this event, it’s a great initiative and something I feel passionate about.”
Declan Welsh, who will be playing a stripped-back, solo set, added: “There’s simply no need for anyone in this country to be living in poverty in 2025. This group of organisations do incredibly important work and as soon as I was asked, I was delighted to be a part of a festival that brings these issues to the fore. I look forward to telling some stories and singing some songs for all the heroes in attendance working to make this country a fairer place for us all.”
Alongside the musical acts, the mini festival will hear from a range of speak including Roz Foyer, General Secretary of the STUC and the Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the Church of Scotland. In addition to music and speakers, there will be activities for kids and young people, stalls and food vendors.
The march is being co-ordinated by the Poverty Alliance with the backing of one of the biggest civil society coalitions ever seen in Scotland, with support from the Scottish TUC, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, the Church of Scotland, Justice & Peace Scotland, Oxfam, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Citizens Advice Scotland, and many more.
Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: Peter Kelly, chief executive of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Change for the better happens when people stand together and demand it. Our society desperately needs that change and we hope everyone who wants a better Scotland will join the march.
“Too many of us are being cut off from life's essentials. Too many are frightened of what the future will bring. Too many of us are feeling tired, angry, isolated, and disillusioned. Too many are without a home, or sacrificing meals for their families, dreading winter due to heating costs, or struggling to get by on wages that don’t cover their household costs.
“We know it doesn’t have to be this way. There has been some welcome action from politicians, but now is time for them to commit to fundamental change for a fairer Scotland where everyone has what they need to build a decent life for themselves, and a better future for all of us.”
Marchers will assemble at the Scottish Parliament for an 11am start and will then head up the Royal Mile and along George IV Bridge to the main stage at The Meadows. There is a shorter route for people with accessibility or mobility issues, which will join the main parade at Chambers Street.
