LAST year more than one hundred people made headlines when they marched through the town centre in support of refugees.

The turnout surprised many and became the largest single attendance at a political event for in Swindon for some time.

Now, in 2017, with deaths on the Mediterranean continuing each day and new arrivals making their homes in the UK at a time of instability and social division, marchers will return to the streets of Swindon again.

This year's event will take place on Saturday, July 22 and organisers are hoping to build on last year's success.

Supporters will gather at Wharf Green at 2pm where speakers from across the community will address the crowd.

They will then set off to make their way along Commercial Road and through the town centre before finishing up at the GWR Park in Faringdon Road.

The march through town will be followed by a picnic in the park. Bringing food and drink to share and something to sit or lie on is encouraged.

Last year's event saw whole families take part and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Organisers are calling on supporters to tell their neighbours and bring their family and friends along.

Kate Linnegar, of Swindon People's Assembly, said: "Let’s celebrate the rich diversity of our town and the invaluable contribution that migrants and refugees make.

"There are over 65m people that have been forcibly displaced from their homes, 60 per cent of them are hosted in the world’s most fragile states.

"Some 115m people lack basic health services, 94m lack water and sanitation services and 34m lack access to education.

"Let’s welcome those people who have chosen to make Swindon their home.

"Join us to give a clear message that we believe everyone has the right to a safe and secure home, with access to health care, education, jobs and the freedom to live in peace."

The past year has seen an increase in vocal support for our own community of refugees and asylum seekers.

For so long the hardworking Harbour Project charity existed away from the forefront of people's minds but the runaway success that was the inaugural Harbour Fest and the launch of the Swindon City of Sanctuary campaign has started to change that.

The event on July 22 has the support of a number of organisations including the People's Assembly, the Swindon Trades Council, Hope Not Hate and Swindon City of Sanctuary.

Throwing their support firmly behind the initiative, a spokesman for Swindon City of Sanctuary said: "It demonstrates that Swindon is a place that welcomes those who have had no choice but to give up their homes, livelihoods, family and friends, to leave behind what are, for most of us, unimaginably difficult circumstances.

"Swindon City of Sanctuary is part of a growing movement in the UK and abroad which extends beyond the "City of Sanctuary" network.

"It includes a huge range of community groups, individuals, politicians from all parties at all levels and public and private sector bodies who together want to resist the notion that migrants are to be feared or blamed for the situation in which they find themselves.

"We understand that if we, our children, or our next door neighbours were threatened with war, hunger or oppression, we too would do anything we could to escape that situation and protect the ones we love.

"This march and picnic is just one of many ways we can extend a hand of friendship, to show our admiration and respect for those who have come to live among us; to recognise and value the skills, experience and culture they bring and to thank them for enriching our lives.

"We hope to see many of you and your families join us for this celebration."