A protest has been organised against controversial figure Katie Hopkins as she prepares to bring her show to Swindon this week.

The former reality TV contestant is set to perform Infectious at The Meca in the town centre on Wednesday night despite strong objections from two local campaign groups - Swindon Solidarity and Swindon Stand Up To Racism - over her alleged racism. 

But the management at 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". 

Calls were made for Swindon Borough Council, which owns the building, to intervene but the local authority opted instead to set up a fundraising page for local asylum seeker charity The Harbour Project for those who object to donate to instead.  

This has led to the two groups confirming their plans to demonstrate outside the venue on the day of the show - for which a Facebook page has been set up.

A spokesperson said: "We are very disappointed the [council's response] which points out that Katie Hopkins is a racist who incites violence, and our request that you cancel Katie Hopkins' show in Swindon.

"We will be organising a demonstration and encourage everyone who opposes Katie Hopkins' racist rhetoric to attend."

Hopkins herself 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, Hopkins 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”.

In response to the show, council leader Jim Robbins said: "We urge all of those who are unhappy with the decision to book Katie Hopkins to make a donation. 

"Hopefully this will lead to some positive action coming out of her appearance in the town in the way that the RNLI receive donations each time Nigel Farage tries to criticise them."