Protest planned in Bristol city centre

Policing powers are in place for a protest and counter-protest in Bristol city centre tomorrow evening (Friday 9 October).

The protest demonstration is due to start at 7pm at College Green, off Park Street, with the counter-protestors mustering from 6.30pm.

Police officers are being deployed to enable participants’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly, while safeguarding those in attendance and the wider community. Any instances of criminality, disorder or hate will be dealt with robustly.

Concealing identities at protests

Officers will be utilising the new face covering provisions under Section 157 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 between 4pm and 11pm.

This new provision is a temporary power which is only active between a set period of hours within a designated area. It is not a permanent restriction.

It is authorised by the overseeing Silver Commander for a protest operation, in this case a Superintendent.

The temporary power means that anyone wearing a face covering or other item that conceals their identity within the designated area may be committing an offence.

Officers will make people aware of the restrictions and give them the opportunity to remove the face covering or leave the area.  Anyone who continues to conceal their identity within the designated area without a lawful exemption may be arrested and prosecuted.

Dispersal zone in place 

A dispersal zone under Section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 will be in place from 4pm until 11pm tomorrow (pictured).  

The dispersal zone will give officers the power to move on groups or individuals causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to others.  

Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Keith Smith said:

“We will be using both existing policing powers and the new powers available to us during this protest to help keep people safe, prevent disorder and respond to any criminality.

“Officers will be deployed throughout the event, supported by our Drone Team, to monitor activity and gather evidence where offences occur. Capturing the best possible evidence is paramount to ensuring offenders can be identified and brought to justice.

“Where criminal behaviour is identified, we will take action. While some offences may result in arrests at the time, there will be occasions when it is more appropriate, proportionate and operationally safe to make arrests at a later stage. We will arrest people at the right time and in the right place, ensuring we secure the strongest possible evidence and minimise any risk to the public, officers and those involved in the protest.

“People are free to express their views lawfully, but anyone who crosses the line into criminality should not mistake a lack of immediate arrest for a lack of action. Where offences are committed, we will gather the evidence needed and take robust action against those responsible.”