March against Red, White and Blue festival could involve more than 1,000
ANTI-BNP groups expect more than 1,000 people from across the country to take part in a rally and march against the party's Red, White and Blue festival.
The event is due to be held on fields off Codnor-Denby Lane, Denby, for the third consecutive year, on the weekend of August 14, 15 and 16.
Word of the protest plans came as the home of Alan Warner – owner of the fields where the festival is held – was daubed with graffiti.
Last year, more than 400 anti-BNP protesters took part in a peaceful rally and protest march, organised in Codnor.
But, away from the march, 36 anti-BNP campaigners were arrested outside the festival site after clashes with police.
The Trade Union Congress, Unite Against Fascism, Stop the BNP and Amber Valley Campaign Against Racism and Fascism have now said they will be marching again this year, on Saturday, August 15.
Last year, the march went from Codnor Market Place and down Heanor Road to its junction with Codnor-Denby Lane where it was stopped by a police cordon.
About 30 protesters were then allowed to go and demonstrate in a designated area near the site's entrance.
This year's route has yet to be confirmed, as negotiations with police are not yet complete.
But the groups said they wanted to get as close to the festival site as possible.
Alan Weaver, the TUC's policy and campaigns officer in the East Midlands, said: "We'd like the people in the festival to know they are not welcome in Derbyshire and we reject their politics.
"It's always difficult to predict how many will come.
"But I would think between 1,000 and 2,000.
"Up to 50 coaches would come from as far south as Brighton and as far north as Scotland."
One of the shopkeepers on the route said he would prefer it if the march did not happen.
Bill Holmes, owner of Codnor Pet and Aquatics, Market Place, said that during last year's protests, people tore down flags, including the Union Jack, which were on display outside his shop.
He said: "I'll stay open.
"I won't shut for anyone – particularly them.
"They are a nuisance."
Mr Warner said protesters had already made their mark on his home by painting the words "Dead Nazi" on one of his walls and locking his farm gates shut.
The incident happened during the night.
Mr Warner was awoken by the driver of a delivery lorry which could not get on to his land.
Police said they were investigating the vandalism and that they were also speaking to the protesters about the march route.
Activists are due to meet for a protest and mass picket in Codnor Market Place from 9am on August 15.
A rally will be held from 11am followed by the march at noon.
12 Comments
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by Laurence, Telford
Friday, July 31 2009, 8:59AM
“I don't even see the point in them holding it. I just think they are looking to get publicity and gain a few members. Well...as one of the people going there opposing their racist views. I think that anyone who wants to defeat the far right, which has reared its oh so ugly head recently, should come along and fight for a real working class struggle!”
by Non BNP Voter, Derby
Wednesday, July 29 2009, 9:44AM
“Some interesting comments and as far as I can see no one is actually in support of the BNP.
R Morgan, Derby, calls us BNP Apologists", however it is clear that he has imposed his/her own biased interpretation on my comment "The BNP will cash in on this, identifying as a legal political party holding a legal event and being victimized by an illegal mob" I will repeat this so that you can understand what we are all saying, it is the BNP that will be in a position, as a legal political party, to claim victimization by an illegal mob, a mob who last year damaged private property and caused disturbances, tore down the Nation's flag from outside a local trader, who incidentally was not a BNP supporter, just a business that proudly flies the national flag outside his shop.
It was the protesters who were arrested last year for illegal actions NOT the BNP. The BNP may be facist with their policies but they are acting within the law by holding a public festival. The protesters may have good intentions but are coming across as the Facists in this case, looking like anti British and against free speech. The BNP will cash in on ths as the victims and as can be seen by one comment here that it is already attracting more people to the festival.
The Union flag is NOT the property of the BNP and it should not be defiled by protesters of any political persuasion as it represents our Nation and our nationality.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Monday, July 20 2009, 9:15AM
“David, you have a good point there. All this negative publicity might well be benefitting some quarters.
This should be a peaceful protest- which is far more effective.
Also ,there are many in this country who oppose the views of the BNP- from ALL parties and walks of life.”
by david, Littleover
Saturday, July 18 2009, 12:29PM
“Calm down everyone.
It is simple.
As there are no laws against political expression , the BNP could be masterminding the demo themselves to gain sympathy and contuned poice protection!
Just wait until they step out of line in word or deed and then deal with them.”
by Major Chord, Littleover
Saturday, July 18 2009, 12:10PM
“Pervious contributors have said it all. Anarchistic, quasi-intellectual thugs , funded by benefits,dressed in army camouflage to "protest" peacefully. Brainwashed saddos.The word Lefties assumes they have some political ambitions.They are sociopathic non subscribers to normal society. Amongst them are violent psyhcopaths goading others to do their work for them.They have probably achieved nothing with their lives except to boast, over a spliff, they had an uninterrupted three year squat in the name of environmental issues. All they will be doing is travelling to demonstrate to create a confrontation with law enforcement officers, who to them represent the same face of facism that the BNP do.Photos of compromising images will be taken and these wasters will go home gloating. No, as soon as physical confrontation is embarked upon, arrest the lot of them or water-cannon them. Demonstrating waving placards and chanting is fine. But don't block the roads, be violent to anyone or damage innocent people's property.”