KATIE Hopkins has praised a Swindon venue for not cancelling her upcoming comedy appearance in the town amid growing pressure from local groups. 

The controversial figure is set to make an appearance at The MECA in Swindon town centre on November 1, but two campaign groups - Swindon Solidarity and Swindon Stand Up To Racism wrote an open letter to the venue urging them to reconsider the decision. 

In response, the venue issued a public statement stating that it had no intention of pulling Hopkins' appearance and it was not 'willing to play into the harmful cancel culture of recent years'. 

Hopkins herself saw this and reacted to the entertainment venues' stance on her Instagram account, praising them for their decision.

She said: "A big thank you to The MECA in Swindon for having a spine. These shows are pure joy,"

She added: "Want to come- buy a ticket. Don’t want to hear me? Stay home. I respect your choice. Please respect the choice made by my audiences."

About her show, Infectious, Katie says: “So many people have been made to feel alone. Come along to MECA Swindon, you will be surrounded by people who just want the best for you and for you to be as free as you can be. Laugh hard. Find hope. And leave feeling better”.