News / protest
Anti-racist protesters challenge return of ‘Bristol Patriots’
Bristol saw its first major protests of 2026 on Saturday as a “Bristol Patriots” rally was once again met with a larger anti-racist counter-protest.
Gathering at the Cenotaph, approximately 40 protesters from the first group came together to wave Union Jacks and St George’s flags to a soundtrack of Come on Eileen, Take Me Home, Country Roads and the national anthem before marching around Broadmead.
The Bristol Patriots’ Facebook page cast the event as a stand against prime minister Keir Starmer however demonstrators from groups such as Stand Up to Racism dismissed their “anti-government” rhetoric as a facade for anti-migrant sentiment.
About 100 counter-protesters joined under the slogan: ‘We hate Keir Starmer more than you’, raising banners welcoming refugees and migrants to our city.
Three arrests were made as Avon and Somerset Police used enhanced powers and large officer numbers to keep the groups apart.
In a post on social media, the Bristol Patriots said: “The majority of the UK is ready for change.
“If you are tired of Keir Starmer and this Labour government, this Saturday is the time to make your voice heard.
“We are taking to the streets of Bristol to say it loud and clear: We want Starmer out.”
A poster pledging to challenge Saturday’s march read: “We stand against Bristol Patriots because of their racist and anti-migrant views, not because we support the current system.
“Make no mistake: this is an anti-migrant hate rally dressed up as anti-Labour. Everyone is welcome. No one is illegal. For a world without borders.”
Led by police, the march began at midday and moved through Broadmead and the city centre before returning to the Cenotaph by 1pm
In a statement after the protests ended, Avon and Somerset Police said a man and a woman were detained under the Public Order Act for using threatening or abusive language.
Another man was arrested for refusing to remove a face covering in breach of a Section 60AA order.
Five additional individuals were issued Section 35 dispersal orders and forced to leave the area due to anti-social behavior.
Neighbourhood policing acting inspector Sean Underwood said: “Today’s protest and counter-protest passed mostly without incident.
“I would like to recognise and thank the officers and staff who have worked throughout the day to enable both protests to take place peacefully, especially those who have come in on their days off.”
Saturday’s action comes 17 months after a violent disorder involving far-right protesters and counter-protesters in Castle Park in August 2024.
‘Refugees welcome here’
All photos: Rob Browne; video: Betty Woolerton
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