Brighton Shuts Down the Far Right: Eight Arrests, 4,000 on the Streets and Fatboy Slim on the Decks
Eight people were arrested and an estimated 4,000 counter-protesters filled the streets of Brighton on 13 June 2026 as South East Patriots attempted to march through the city and were stopped by the Carnival Against Fascism on Queens Road
South East Patriots, an anti-immigration group, had planned a Stop the Boats rally through Brighton city centre on Saturday 13 June 2026. They did not get far. Around 300 people gathered for the far-right rally at Brighton train station from noon. Around 4,000 had been waiting for them since 11am. The Carnival Against Fascism, a coalition of more than 20 anti-racist groups, had already occupied Queens Road before the march could begin. Sussex News confirmed that the far-right group got approximately 10 metres from Brighton station before being blocked.
By the end of the day Sussex Police had made eight arrests in total. Offences included public order offences, possession of a pyrotechnic device and assaults on emergency workers. At least one woman was among those arrested. Sussex Police issued their final statement: "More than 4,000 people gathered today to protest in Brighton city centre. We had a large policing operation in place, working with our partners to facilitate peaceful and lawful protest and ensuring the safety of all those involved and the wider public. A total of eight arrests were made, ranging from public order offences to assaults against emergency workers."
What the police divisional commander said
Chief Superintendent Adam Hays, Brighton and Hove Divisional Commander, addressed the disruption near the station directly. He said: "We understand that there was some disruption near the railway station and surrounding roads. Public order policing is complex and, while we understand this can be frustrating, we always balance the rights of all protest groups and the wider community. Public safety is always our priority. I'd like to thank the public for their patience while we worked hard in ensuring that all of those attending the city, for whatever reason, were able to do so safely."
What Brighton's MP and Council Leader said
Sian Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: "Once again, Brighton and Hove's brave and inclusive city has massively outnumbered an attempted fascist march on our streets. Love will win."
Brighton and Hove City Council Leader Councillor Bella Sankey had issued a direct message to the far right earlier in the week. She said: "My message to them is simple: don't come. Your message of hatred is not welcome here. Brighton and Hove is a proudly diverse city."
Fatboy Slim on the streets
Brighton's most famous resident, Fatboy Slim, Norman Cook, was outside Brighton station entertaining Carnival Against Fascism counter-protesters and played a free set on the streets of his city. He later posted on social media: "Never been more proud of my home town. More disco, less fascism." He also commented directly on ImJustBrighton's coverage of the day, saying: "So proud of our City today. No place for hate."
For the full story of Fatboy Slim's impromptu set and what it meant for Brighton, read our dedicated article: Fatboy Slim Played a Free Set Outside Brighton Station as Thousands Shut Down the Far Right.
Full timeline of events on 13 June 2026
From 11am, the Carnival Against Fascism gathered on Queens Road. Stand Up to Racism held a separate counter-protest outside Brighton train station. By noon, South East Patriots had assembled at Brighton station with speakers including UKIP leader Nick Tenconi and Siobhan Whyte, mother of murder victim Rhiannon Whyte. The group called for stronger border controls, enforcement of immigration laws and the deportation of illegal immigrants. They got approximately 10 metres before being blocked. Fighting broke out on Queens Road and was broken up by officers. The first arrest came before the march had even started, on suspicion of a public order offence. By 1:42pm Sussex Police had confirmed five arrests. By end of day, eight arrests in total were confirmed. British Transport Police were also deployed around Brighton station throughout the day.
Anyone who witnessed hate crime or suspicious activity on the day is asked to report it online or by calling 101. To report anonymously call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.
For all Brighton and Hove news follow ImJustBrighton. For the Fatboy Slim story read our full article at imjustbrighton.co.uk.
