Brighton Says No: 4,000 Counter-Protesters Stop Far Right Rally as Five Arrested and Fatboy Slim Plays the Streets
Thousands of counter-protesters filled Queens Road in Brighton on 13 June 2026 as the Carnival Against Fascism blocked the South East Patriots rally. Photo: Sussex News
Brighton witnessed one of its biggest days of protest on Saturday 13 June 2026 as a far-right rally was vastly outnumbered by thousands of counter-protesters on Queens Road, with five arrests made and Fatboy Slim playing a free set on the streets of the city
Anti-immigration group South East Patriots attempted to hold a Stop the Boats rally in Brighton city centre on Saturday 13 June, gathering at Brighton train station from noon 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 were met by a city that had been preparing for weeks. More than 20 anti-racist groups had united under the banner of the Carnival Against Fascism, gathering from 11am to block the route on Queens Road. Stand Up to Racism held a separate counter-protest outside Brighton train station. By the time the far-right rally had assembled, the counter-protest had already taken over the streets.
Sussex News reported that the Stop the Boats rally drew around 400 people. The Carnival Against Fascism attracted an estimated 4,000 demonstrators. The counter-protesters outnumbered the far-right group by ten to one.
Fighting, arrests and police on the streets
Tensions escalated on Queens Road as the two sides came into contact. Fighting broke out and was broken up by officers. Sussex Police confirmed five arrests in total by early afternoon. The first came before the march had even started, on suspicion of a public order offence. The second was for breaching the peace and assaulting a police officer. At 1:42pm Sussex Police confirmed three further arrests had been made. No serious injuries were reported.
Sussex Police said their priority was ensuring that those taking part in lawful protest were able to do so safely, while dealing swiftly with incidents of disorder. Officers maintained a safe distance between the two groups throughout the day. Sussex Police confirmed 2,500 people were in attendance across the city centre at the height of the protests. British Transport Police also deployed officers around Brighton station given that both groups were gathering in the area.
Fatboy Slim plays the streets
Brighton's most famous resident, Fatboy Slim, Norman Cook, entertained Carnival Against Fascism counter-protesters outside Brighton station and played a free set on the streets of the city. His presence turned what could have been a tense standoff into something more characteristic of Brighton itself. Witnesses described a carnival atmosphere among the counter-protesters despite the tension elsewhere on the street.
Fatboy Slim was not the only musician to show solidarity with the counter-protest. Phil Hartnoll from Orbital also pledged his support, suggesting he might play a set on a portable 12-volt sound system.
Fatboy Slim, Norman Cook, entertaining thousands of Carnival Against Fascism counter-protesters on the streets of Brighton on 13 June 2026. Only in Brighton. Photo and video: ImJustBrighton
What the council said
Brighton and Hove City Council Leader Councillor Bella Sankey had issued a direct message to the far right earlier in the week. She said: "On Saturday far right agitators are planning to come to Brighton for an unpatriotic march to stir up division. 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."
She added that anyone witnessing hate crime, suspicious activity or any concerns should report them online or by calling 101. Anyone who wants to report hate crime anonymously can call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
ImJustBrighton was documenting events throughout the day. Sussex Police are expected to release further updates as they review footage and continue enquiries. For all Brighton and Hove news follow ImJustBrighton.
