Manchester Metropolitan University
Police and counter protestors line up

Anti-racism campaigners clash with UKIP protesters during rally in Piccadilly Gardens

News | 26th February 2025

By Edward Firman

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  • Featured image credit: Edward Firman

A UKIP rally against immigration was met by counter-protesters on Saturday (22 February) as both sides clashed with police.

The march was organised by UKIP (UK Independence Party) and right-wing group Turning Point UK and led to clashes countered by demonstrators from Greater Manchester Stand Up to Racism.

Originally intended to take place in Piccadilly Gardens, the rally took place outside Manchester Central Library in St Peter’s Square.

In a statement posted on X, the party formerly led by Reform UK’s Nigel Farage stated: “We are taking our country back, one city at a time.”

Counter protesters arrive at Piccadilly Gardens

Flyers distributed by counter protestors said: “Stop the Fascist Rally. Stop Nick Tenconi. Stop the Hate.”

Stand Up to Racism demonstrators gathered in Piccadilly Gardens for a ‘unity rally’, with music and speeches from different organisations. They then marched to St Peter’s Square, where members of PAG (Parents Against Grooming) were delivering speeches, but were diverted by police.

At around 4pm, the UKIP rally left St Peter’s Square before marching down Portland Street towards Piccadilly Gardens. Along the way, counter protesters continued to arrive, slowing the march before police pushed them back, causing ‘severe disruption’ to trams and buses.

UKIP protesters walk through St. Peter's Square. In the middle, one wears a high-viz jacket and is holding a UKIP flag while being escorted by a police officer.
UKIP protesters walk through St. Peter's Square. In the left of the image, one wears a high-viz jacket and is holding a UKIP flag while being escorted by a police officer.
UKIP protesters march down Oxford Road through St. Peter's Squuare holding UKIP banners and English flags. Some are wearing high-vis jackets.
A line of police officers wearing high-vis jackets stand against a row of civilians.
Officers wearing high-vis jackets hit out at a man in dark clothes.
A man with a mask and rucksack stands in front of a row of officers wearing high-vis jackets.
A crowd of police officers in high-vis jackets stand behind a group of counter protesters. One officer is reaching forward and touching a protester's bag.
UKIP protesters set off red smoke flares and hold English flags. Nick Tenconi is at the front of the crowd holding a megaphone.

Flares were let off and Greater Manchester Police’s tactical unit were deployed, pushing counter-protesters back near Piccadilly Gardens tram stop.

A crowd of people in Piccadilly Gardens, interspersed with police officers wearing high-vis jackets.
A police officer grabs a protester by the collar. They are standing in a crowd, and the protester is grabbing another protester.
A line of police officers wearing high-vis jackets stands in front of a line of civilians. Piccadilly Gardens is visible in the background.

Just before 5pm, the march arrived at Piccadilly Gardens, where counter-demonstrators linked arms and were heard chanting ‘who do you serve?’ at police officers and ‘Say It loud and say it clear, refugees are welcome here.’

Some counter-protesters waved LGBTQ and Palestinian flags, while others held aloft banners stating ‘stop the far right’ and ‘Manchester welcomes all except fascist scum’.

Counter-protesters stand in Piccadilly Gardens. One is shouting to the crowd and wearing a keffiyeh, while another holds a Palestinian flag.
A group of police officers in high-vis jackets stand opposite a crown of protesters wearing face masks.
A police officer and a man both hold onto a yellow Bee bike, which the officer appears to be checking. British flags are visible in the background.
A man in a face mask and keffiyeh stands in front of a row of police officers. He appears to be moving quickly.
A row of police officers in high-vis jackets stand opposite a row of masked protesters in Piccadilly Gardens.

In a surreal turn, a musical performer continued to play as police and protesters surged around him.

A performer sits on a stool playing a small cello and is surrounded by cables and wires. An instrument case sits in front of him. He is smiling as he looks towards the crowd of police and protesters moving past him.
Musical performer continues to play in the face of adversity | Credit: Edward Firman

By around 5.30pm UKIP protesters began to disperse, at which point the counter demonstration, clearly outnumbering the UKIP rally , burst into cheering and clapping, bringing a close to the disruption.

A crowd of people in Picadilly Gardens.
Counter protesters cheer | Credit: Edward Firman

‘Wherever the far right take to the streets, we’ll be there opposing them.’ Stand Up To Racism stated on a post on X.