REAL Patriotism Is.........

Patriotism can be a great thing that brings people together!

Looking at the 2026 World Cup, over in the USA.

We have seen proud Scottish patriots, making friends with just about everyone.

Likewise, we have seen Japanese patriots joining in with Dutch patriots celebrating.

While on holiday, during the England v Mexico game, I bumped into some Spain fans and we had a great time, making jokes at each other’s expence  and having fun, while still being respectful and this is what patriotism is all about!

For some of us, it can be about sharing culture, having fun, respecting each other and learning about each other’s cultures and the World Cup isn’t the only place that this can happen.

This year 48 countries entered the World Cup.

In London alone,  there are 123 to 140 different types of cuisine available right now from what I have read, so this means that there could be 140 opportunities to try something new, experience a different culture and enjoy yourself

But we can alos do other things like developing our own experiences and finding out more about English culture by traveling the country we live in.

Counties, cities and towns all have their own famous cuisine.

For example,  the Black Country is famous for its orange chips, Lancashire has its brilliant Lancashire hotpot and in Cornwall, we have the traditional Cornish pasty!

All of these things can help us celebrate our shared heritage and help us be patriotic.

Embracing it all, we can enjoy food from all over the world right here in England and our own amazing dishes.

But what if food or footy isn’t your thing? Well that’s OK,  there are loads of other ways you can be proud to be British and celebrate the unique heritage of all the nations on our isles.

On the 4th of July, 2026 we have seen some brilliant scenes in the USA, as our cousins celebrated 250 years of being a country, but did you know next year England will celebrate 1100 years of being a country!!!

Seeking to promote this, Exit Hate supports England Together – 1100, a nationwide campaign promoting English Unity and its a great excuse to get a street party organised, get to know your neighbours better and bring people together. More information on this will follow over the coming months.

Embracing all forms of British culture. We have many events that happen annually that we can attend.

Things like the Gloucestershire Cheese rolling, Royal Shrovetide Football in Ashbourne or the Chapel World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Waen Rydd Bog, Wales and there are so many more events, why not have a look where you live.

You could also support the performing arts! This includes Poetry, Music, Theatre Plays, Stand-up comedy, Dance, Opera and so much more!

This can be cheap if you are struggling or even free at smaller local venues, things don’t have to be expensive.

If you more ideas, why not share them and talk to people about what makes you proud to live in England.

Together, let’s celebrate our heritage and culture and promote patriotism, based on Place NOT Race.

John – A former Activist