THEY raised their voices in protest against a controversial documentary being filmed in Southampton.

Scores of people turned out for a protest gig to show their anger at the Channel 4 programme Immigration Street.

Bands from across the south took to the stage at The Joiners in St Mary's, throwing their support behind the multi-cultural community.

The St Mary's Calling event proved a hit, with upcoming artists giving their time for free.

Most at the gig were hoping that if enough pressure is put on those making the programme, it will be axed.

Just Millie, a self-professed “one-man band” kicked off proceedings with a 45-minute set.

Singer-songwriter and winner of Millbrook's Got Talent Sean McGowan took to the stage later in the evening, as did Fareham's Accrington Stanley while rock group Elephantantrum closed the event at midnight.

Outspoken Muslim campaigner Mohammed Ansar from Winchester also spoke to the audience and poet Angela Chicken from St Mary's performed some of her work.

Bosses of the Joiners Arms are fully backing the campaign and gave the popular venue for free to help boost support for the cause.

Immigration Street is being made by Love Productions, the company behind the much-criticised Benefit Street series that was filmed in Birmingham.

Joint partner Amanda Betts said: “When you listen to participants of previous programmes they say it wasn't a true depiction of how they live. We don't want that here.

“This is a really successful multi-cultural area of Southampton where the residents live in harmony with one another. This documentary could put that at risk.”

Immigration Street will feature people living on or near Derby Road but has seen a backlash from members of the St Mary's community.

Many fear the programme will present a negative image of the thriving neighbourhood, threatening to divide and upset those living and working there.

Filming, which began in April, has also seen camera crews pelted with eggs and flour while others have called for its name to be changed.

The concert comes a month before campaigners are set to travel up to London to protest outside Channel 4's offices in London on January 31.

The Stand up for Southampton demo is being led by the Southampton Communities Alliance which is a coalition of residents, community groups and trade union activists - who are campaigning to promote positive messages of migration in the city.

Organisers are hoping hundreds of people will travel down to London by coach to make their voices heard.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Saints Foundation.