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Far-right, anti-Nazis & naked people to meet
Protesters may very well be going arse over tit this weekend in one of the most bizarre battles of Bristol city centre in recent history.
Campaign groups including the Anti-Nazi League, South West Infidels and Refugees Welcome are all expected to march on Saturday outside the Hippodrome just as the Naked Bike Ride plans to cruise by.
Police are warning of disruption on the roads and some public spaces and assured the public they have “well-rehearsed plans” to deal with any possible violence.
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“Our message is simple – come to Bristol to have an enjoyable time but if you are coming to Bristol city centre with the specific intention of disrupting peaceful protests, you will not be welcome,” said Supt Rhys Hughes, deputy Bristol police commander .
South West Infidels are a far-right group protesting against immigration. Their march at 2pm coincides with demonstrations by the Anti-Nazi League and a Refugees Welcome march organised by Stand Up to Racism Bristol.
Ahead of the marches, a post on the South West Infidels Facebook page said:
A spokesperson for Stand Up to Racism Bristol said: “We are holding our rally to send out the important message that many Bristolians welcome refugees and are appalled at the government’s seeming reluctance to allow more refugees fleeing war and poverty into Britain.”
A similar clash of protest groups last year led to violent scenes on College Green.
Although, the Naked Bike Ride, a protest to help “deliver a vision of a cleaner, safer, body-positive world”, did not attend.
Police gave the following warnings for disruption in the city centre this weekend:
Areas that are expected to be busier than normal are around College Green, Broad Quay, Park Street and Hotwells. Motorists are advised to avoid these areas of the city centre on Saturday if possible.
College Street will be closed between 4am-6pm, from its junction with Frog Lane to the junction with Deanery Road.
College Green will also be closed between 4am-6pm, from its junction with Cannons Road to the junction with Unity Street.