South East Patriots, an anti-immigration group, attempted to march through Brighton city centre today. They got approximately 10 metres from Brighton station before being stopped.
The Carnival Against Fascism, a coalition of more than 20 anti-racist groups, gathered from 11am on Queens Road and blocked the route. Sussex News reported around 400 people attended the far-right rally. An estimated 4,000 attended the counter-protest. They were outnumbered ten to one.
Sussex Police confirmed 2,500 people in attendance across the city centre at the height of the protest. Five arrests were made in total. The first came before the march had even started, on suspicion of a public order offence. The second was for breaching the peace and assaulting a police officer. Three further arrests were confirmed at 1:42pm. No serious injuries were reported.
Fighting broke out on Queens Road between the two groups and was broken up by officers. British Transport Police were also deployed around Brighton station.
Fatboy Slim, Norman Cook, entertained Carnival Against Fascism protesters outside Brighton station and played a free set on the streets. Phil Hartnoll from Orbital also pledged his support to the counter-protest. After seeing our coverage, Fatboy Slim commented on our post: “So proud of our City today. No place for hate.”
Council Leader Councillor Bella Sankey had said in advance: “Don’t come. Your message of hatred is not welcome here. Brighton and Hove is a proudly diverse city.”
Sussex Police are expected to release a full end of day statement. We will update when that comes in. Follow ImJustBrighton for all updates.