CHARITIES have launched an ambitious fundraiser to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Kenmure Street protest with a special event.

The Festival of Resistance will be a two-day event on Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14.

It will celebrate last year's rally when hundreds came together after the Home Office detained Pollokshields residents Sumit Sehdev and Lakhvir Singh.

As a direct result of the spontaneous demonstration, the two men were let go after several hours.

The fundraiser, organised by Govanhill Baths Community Trust (GBCT) in partnership with Pollokshields Trust is asking Glaswegians to contribute to the celebration's running costs.

READ MORE: Kenmure Street: Glasgow protest makes worldwide headlines

Fatima Uygun, Manager of GBCT, said: “It’s very difficult to find money for community activism, so we need to raise money for everything from gazebos to road closures and activities on the day to make the event all-inclusive and safe.

“We’re encouraging everyone who lives locally to take part by hanging banners and posters out their windows, we have also got a program of events for people who are local but also visitors.

“We’ve invited refugee groups and immigration groups to have stores, there will be speakers, we have invited Nicola Sturgeon to do a speech, we will have food, storytelling, film screening, activities on the bowling green and an evening concert."

The fundraisers are aiming to collect £5000 in total, to pay for a stage, materials, speakers, banners and more.

So, far over £1000 has been collected as people get behind the celebration.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon to launch Roma celebrations in Govanhill

Fatima Uygun added: “It’s important to know that this is a commemoration and that we are very proud of what we achieved as a community.

“We freed two people from the jaws of the Home Office, which is determined to divide our community.

“We believe that the community action showed on that day is much for reflective of what people in Glasgow, in Scotland and indeed in the UK feel about immigrants and refugees.

“We welcome them and they belong here.

“It’s not just a commemoration of what we did but of the sheer determination by the community on that day and we need to acknowledge that the fight continues.

“It’s about galvanising the community to continue this wonderful action because we know the months and years ahead are going to be difficult for immigrants and refugees with the Nationality and Borders Bill, and we are opposed to that."

A supporter on Crowdfunder said: "I'm looking forward to this celebration of community action and all that binds us."

Another one wrote: "Together we stand united. We all Belong!"

If you wish to support the Festival of Resistance, you can do so here.