England flags group planning Sheffield march set to be opposed by anti-fascists
A group which puts flags on lampposts is organising a march in Sheffield - which is set to face opposition from anti-fascists.
Raise the Colours Sheffield says the event starts in the Peace Gardens at noon on Saturday, June 13 and ends at a hotel on Blonk Street, Wicker.
A Facebook post states it will be ‘peaceful’ and urges attendees to bring flags, megaphones and music.
It adds: “Lets have a good time and be loud and proud get the date booked in your calendar don't miss it, be counted.”
It comes after a protest at Sheffield station on Saturday, April 4 to ‘save our children’s futures’.
It is estimated it attracted 70 protesters, including livestreamers and Youtubers. They faced a counter demonstration of some 200 anti-fascists.
Dozens of police were also in attendance.
Raise the Colours charges £10 to put up two 3ft x 5ft flags, its Facebook page states. It is illegal to attach flags to public assets, such as lampposts and bridges.
Sheffield Communities Against Racism & Fascism has announced a counter demonstration on the day of the march.
In a post it states: “Not content with their tiddly static presence at the train station last weekend, Raise the Colours - a new, local far-right group mostly concerned with leaving Union Jacks lying about - has announced that they'll be trying to march through Sheffield on 13th June, from the Peace Gardens to a hotel housing asylum seekers on Blonk Street.
“Of course, we must show them they are not welcome to march through our city spouting racist hate.”
St George and union flags started appearing last summer. The practice became popular among people who say they are motivated by patriotism.
But others believe it aims to intimidate minorities and asylum seekers at a time when tensions are running high over immigration.