‘Best news I’ve heard all lockdown’: Relief as Sheffield ‘ignores’ mass gathering protests

Last week, information began to circulate online about events planned for Norfolk and Endcliffe parks, as well as in other UK cities including London, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle.

The protests were organised by the UK Freedom Movement, a group with links to far-right organisations including Britain First and the Football Lads’ Alliance.

But both Sheffield protests attracted tiny numbers of people, with less than 10 turning up at Norfolk Heritage Park and even fewer attending the Endcliffe Park event.

And most of the protests in other UK cities also passed off with almost no one in attendance, with only the London event attracting significant numbers of people.

The stories we published yesterday about the damp squib events attracted hundreds of comments and here is just a small selection of what you had to say.

Caroline Wibberley: “That's great news. Was worried loads would turn up and lock down extended.”

Kerrie Roebuck said: “Best news I’ve heard all lockdown. Shows people do want to follow the rules as it will benefit them in the long run. What a waste of police time this non-event was.”

Lee Hopkins said: “Well done Sheffield. Common sense in South Yorkshire.”

Martin Gravil said: “That's great news. Glad people are respecting each other.”

Louise Kelly said: “Haha, brilliant. Not sure the huge police presence was necessary but I'm happy nobody really went.”