We spoke to those on both sides of the demonstration in the heart of the city centre
16:40, 26 Apr 2026Updated 17:10, 26 Apr 2026
Nottingham protest sees rival groups face off in Old Market Square wide
Opposing groups of protesters swarmed Nottingham’s Old Market Square and exchanged chants as police officers formed a line to keep them apart.
On Sunday afternoon (April 26), the city centre square was divided by a row of police officers as protesters and counter-protesters led opposing chants on immigration.
Posts promoting Sunday’s demonstration – to say ‘enough is enough’ and to call for ‘failed policies’ and ‘mass migration’ to be stopped – began appearing on social media earlier in the week.
Similar messaging on Facebook suggested a protest would also be taking place in the square on St George’s Day, however this did not appear to go ahead on Thursday (April 23).
On Sunday, however, around 50 anti-illegal immigration demonstrators were met by around 70 counter-protestors from Stand Up to Racism.
From around 1pm, a row of police officers split the two groups in the square and the protests remained largely peaceful during the period that Nottinghamshire Live was there.
However, around an hour into the demonstration, minor scuffles appeared to break out between opposing protesters, but the dividing line was quickly formed again.
Many of the anti-illegal immigration protestors were draped in the St George’s flag – including pensioner Cath Wilson, who attended the protest with her son, Chris.
Cath Wilson (left), who attended the protest with her son Chris, is concerned about illegal immigration(Image: Nottingham Post)
“We’re bringing all these people into the country and we don’t know who they are,” the 73-year-old from St Ann’s said.
“And it’s taxpayers who are paying for it – you and I. They’ve got more money than I do as a pensioner.”
A rival protester, who moved to the country 25 years ago, disagreed and added: “It is sad to see England turning to this.
“Of course, any foreigner, whether they are coming by plane or by boat, is unknown to the place. They are arriving.
“I was lucky enough to come on a plane, and I came to look for a better life. But this is the worst I have ever seen in terms of intolerance.
“It is sad to see. I love Nottingham.”
Police divided opposing groups of protesters in Old Market Square on Sunday (April 26)(Image: Nottingham Post)
Many of the chants from either side were drowned out by the sounds of a group of drummers, who formed part of the Stand Up to Racism counter demonstration.
Although some exchanges included counter-protesters chanting ‘free Palestine‘ and ‘refugees are welcome here’ before responses quickly came back from the anti-illegal immigration demonstrators.
At one point, a small number of protesters from both sides appeared to be looking for common ground with one another, with an anti-illegal immigration protester draped in a St George’s flag wearing a Stand Up to Racism sticker.
“I am not racist, I just don’t like division in my country,” the protester added.
Rob, who travelled from Bilborough to join other anti-illegal immigration demonstrators, said the turnout from his side of the protest was “disappointing,” despite the social media promotion beforehand.
“I saw the protest being discussed in our group chat and, we’re going to have concerns because this is our country,” he said.
“But this is always the case. Lots of people say ‘it is terrible’, but they need to make the effort.”
When asked why he had attended the demonstration, the 68-year-old retiree added: “It’s the boats and the migrants – it’s nothing about racism.
“It has got to stop. I’m not worried about my future; it’s our grandchildren. Our young people can’t get a place to live, and opportunities are being taken away.”
Among the crowd of protestors gathered by the Council House, the flag of Palestine could also be seen waving in the air, alongside Stand Up to Racism-branded plaques.
Richard Buckwell, organiser for Nottingham Stand up to Racism, called the counter protest to show unity with immigrants(Image: Nottingham Post)
Richard Buckwell, organiser for Nottingham Stand Up to Racism, said the counter protest was called to show unity with immigrants, adding: “Without migrants, people wouldn’t have an NHS“.
Also in attendance were Labour Nottingham city councillors, Mike Edwards and Matt Shannon. When asked why he was at the demonstration, Mr Edwards added: “I am anti-racist and like to be seen on the sides of people demonstrating against racism.
“The far-right has a poor track record in Nottingham.”