Protesters set to oppose Red, White and Blue again

Anti-fascist campaigners have announced they will once again take part in a protest march against the British National Party's Red, White and Blue festival this summer.

The Amber Valley Campaign against Racism and Fascism (AV CARF) will march through Codnor towards the festival site at land off Codnor-Denby Lane on Saturday, August 15, during the three-day event by the right wing political party.

Last year, more than 500 people from trade unions and anti-BNP organisations were involved in the protest. Police arrested 33 campaigners for violent behaviour or breaching the peace near the festival ground.

AV CARF spokesman John Kimberley said: "We intend to call a lawful and peaceful protest to highlight our concerns about the BNP's festival of hate, which they want to impose on our local community in Denby Village. The national so-called Red, White and Blue offended local people last year. The BNP uses the festival to express its odious racist views."

It is the third year the BNP has held its summer rally on land belonging to party member Alan Warner. There will be a fairground, entertainment, and speakers at the event. Mr Warner, who has been personally targeted by anti-BNP campaigners several times, has dismissed concerns over the response of members of the public.

He said: "I'm not really worried about the protesters and people targeting us. There has never been any trouble on the site."

Around 400 police officers were used to patrol the festival and the protest last year, costing £250,000. A police spokesman said: "We have concerns based on the risk that was caused by last year's violence in the area surrounding the festival."

Belper News