MARCHERS in solidarity with Honda workers will hear Swindon-born acoustic pop star Josh Kumra play this Saturday.

At the rally in the GWR park, those gathered will hear from Honda workers and their supporters including Swindon's Mayor Junab Ali, Labour’s shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey and Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner.

There will also be a special performance by Swindon's own Josh Kumra, singer and songwriter of number one hit single Don't Go.

The march has found support from those across the town, many who have Honda workers in the family or whose business might be affected by the loss of 3,500 jobs.

Robert Smith, whose son and son in law both work at Honda, told the Adver: "It's worth fighting for - my lad is working there and my son in law, so that's two in the family that will be affected.

"But all the big companies are thinking of doing it, obviously labour is to expensive in this country, that's what it builds down to."

Swindon resident Tim Westcot said: "It's not good for the town in general, bearing in mind we're looking at loosing a lot of jobs and income from Honda and from the associated industries."

Ronnie Fernandes, a unite member whose brother works at Honda, told the Adver: "It's definitely going to have a big impact on Swindon's economy, there are too many people working in that plant.

"Everybody probably has some relative working there. I think it's definitely worth doing something, to help keep the jobs safe."

Frankie Conestabile, from Superfry fish and chip shop on Regent Street, said: “Anyone who loses their job they will have to make sacrifices.

“This could be on a Saturday or Sunday when they won’t spend that little bit extra, treat their kids to fish and chips or a coffee, or any of these businesses in Swindon town centre.

“Hopefully the government steps in and we can fill up that factory and keep the jobs and keep the plant working."

Marchers will meet at 11:00am at Swindon Town FC’s coach park where they will hear from Unite general secretary Len McCluskey.

It will be headed by two Honda Civics, which have become symbolic of the plant, led by Honda workers and a marching brass band, who will parade through Swindon to the rally at GWR Park, Faringdon Road.

More details of the route of the march are on the Unite website https://unitetheunion.org/honda30march.