UPDATE: Since this article was posted it has been confirmed that the show went ahead at a pub in Stroud last night. Full details here.
Members of the Stroud community have been celebrating after multiple venues pulled the plug on a potential comedy gig in the area by controversial journalist Katie Hopkins.
Ms Hopkins was originally due to perform at the Old Convent in Beeches Green, but the landlord of the venue told the Community Solidarity Stroud District that once they became aware the event was for her, they pulled the plug.
A second venue also allegedly cancelled her appearance today (the same day as the show).
Various other owners of venues across the town and the wider area have taken to social media to say that they wouldn't have allowed her to perform at their place.
This comes as an open letter initiated by Community Solidarity Stroud District which called on organisers to withdraw their invitation to Katie Hopkins to present a comedy show in Stroud has been signed by over almost 300 people at the time of writing, Thursday evening at 7pm (September 7).
Tonight, at the location of the original booking, the Old Convent in Beeches Green, members of the Stroud community however celebrated that fact that multiple venues across the area refused to put on her 'comedy performance'.
Members from Roma for The RYSE, Stroud against Racism, Stroud constituency Labour Party, Community Independents, Stroud district Green Party plus members from Community Solidarity Stroud District spoke at the event.
Yesterday, several members of the Stroud community went on record to say they did not feel that Ms Hopkins was welcome to spread her views in the area.
James Beecher, a member of Community Solidarity Stroud District, said: "We don’t think someone with her record should have been invited to Stroud – and are pleased to see the community coming together to make this clear.
"We’re using our free speech to challenge the things Katie Hopkins says.
"We want to be absolutely clear that Katie Hopkins record speaks for itself and that she is no more welcome in Stroud than she was in South Africa.”
Emma Calcutt, from Stroud Against Racism said: “Katie Hopkins is not welcome in our community - this kind of event has no place in our town.”
Steve Lydon, Chair of Stroud Constituency Labour Party said: “We as the Labour Party are proud to stand with other members of the community to show our abhorrence of the views of Katie Hopkins.
"She is not welcome here."
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