The English Defence League came to town to spend a lovely sunny day surrounded by police and anti-fascist demonstrators. Who won? It’s hard to say.
By 10:30am police had already started cordoning off several roads around the planned march route from Brighton Pier up to the old chippy on the corner of Ship Street. It was obvious that police numbers were much higher than last year, their presence calling to mind the recent funeral for the late Margaret Thatcher.
Police cordon on Pool Valley. One of many seen along King’s Road.
Despite the closure of roads and sidewalks, tourists, families and sun chasers alike flocked to the beach as usual.
Split into two groups, the march consisted of participants in the March for England including members/supporters of the EDL, and the anti-fascist group led by the UAF.
The two groups were kept apart by a wall of police vans, horses and officers. As the groups began to grow the two sides clashed, but it was quickly dealt with by officers.
Before the march had begun, police were already managing the anti-fascists, resorting to light kettling tactics to keep the crowd from getting out of hand.
Police stand guard at Marine Parade.
Activists shout to warn demonstrators to avoid the kettle zone.
Police helicopters fly overhead.
Anti-fascists reveal banner.
Like all good protests, there was an abundance of homemade signs.
Members of the public attempt to get a good view of the unfolding events.
At 1pm the march started. Surrounded by police, the EDL were ushered down the road chanting and waving the English flag, with some even dishing out threats and abuse to the anti-march onlookers.
As the March for England crowd shuffled down King’s Road, they were met with constant chants of abuse from the opposition for the duration of the march.
UAF signs takeover the beach view all down the street.
Onlookers give the march a wave.
Despite the overall serious tone the day was relatively peaceful, probably due to the protesters and large amount of police officers. The English Disco lovers even managed to add a little humour to the rather glum sunny afternoon.
An old couple enjoy the beautiful beach view through a wire fence.
Police dogs relax as the march reaches its final stages.
As the march draws to a close, supporters of the UAF go on a march of their own up towards Brighton station. At this point it was obvious to everyone that the UAF far outnumbered those on the initial march.
The peaceful march on North Street and up to Queen’s Road was greeted with honks from supportive drivers left at a standstill as the demonstration passed.
A “No Pasarán” banner leads the way up to Brighton station.
As the crowd reaches the station, demonstrators start to depart, leaving with the memory of a successful counter-protest. With the help of the police, conflicts were kept to a minimum, helping both sides achieve what they came for.
Brighton, Sunday 21st April 2013
Words and photos by Charles Shepherd
