Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Manchester this afternoon in a peaceful anti-lockdown demonstration, as one man was detained by police for flying a drone.
The latest march is one of several which have taken place across England in recent weeks as people continue to protest against the government’s latest tiered lockdown measures which has seen large parts of the country subject to draconian restrictions.
A large crowd came together in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, this afternoon brandishing placards echoing anti-lockdown sentiments at the protest which has been named ‘Rise Up Manchester’.
The protest comes as violent clashes between police and anti-lockdown protesters have broken out elsewhere in the country since the new tiered system was imposed and implemented, including a disruption in central London last week.
More than 150 arrests were made as thousands of anti-lockdown demonstrators took to the streets and booed officers while chanting ‘shame on you’ at the protest organised by Piers Corbyn.
In Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, this afternoon, hundreds of people of all ages gathered together to protest against the government’s new tiered lockdown system
The passionate demonstrators crammed together in the outdoor area, holding placards and banners with anti-lockdown sentiments
The protest was organised by Paul Boys, a personal trainer and owner of a gym in Altrincham, who stood on a makeshift platform to speak to the crowd
One man, who is said to have been flying a drone around the area, was seen being led away from the protest by three police officers
Surrounded by the Christmas decorations in Manchester, hundreds gathered in the street in the ‘Rise Up Manchester’ protest
The large protest is believed to have been organised by personal trainer Paul Boys, who was pictured delivering a speech to an impassioned crowd using a microphone.
Protests appeared peaceful this afternoon as the demonstrators packed close together at the outdoor meeting place, unable to social distance, and many not wearing masks.
One man was seen being escorted away from the protest by three police officers after he flew a drone around the area.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed no arrests have been made yet.
The protesters met in Piccadilly Gardens and then took their demonstration to the streets, blowing whistles and wearing comical masks
A large group of protestors stood closely together in the city centre, unable to social distance and many of which not wearing face masks
Speakers delivered speeches to the crowd and onlookers as people help up placards, with messages such as ‘Freedom not facism’ and ‘I will not ever comply’
Organiser Paul Boys addressed the crowd who stood taking pictures of him, waving flags and holding banners, one of which reads ‘I will not be masked, tested, tracked or poisoned’
The latest march is one of several which have taken place across England in recent weeks as people continue to protest against the government’s latest tiered lockdown measures
A man with a drone was escorted away from the scene but Greater Manchester Police confirmed no arrested had been made
The enormous crowds spilled out into the streets of the city centre and blocked off the roads
A spokesperson for GMP said the force was aware of a large gathering in the city centre and confirmed officers were in attendance.
Prior to this gathering, officers engaged with the organiser and encouraged them to remain compliant with current Government restriction,’ they added.
The protest organiser, Paul Boys, took to Instagram yesterday to encourage people to attend today’s march and assure people the protests are peaceful.
In the post the personal trainer and over of Next Level gym in Altrincham wrote: ‘So tomorrow we unite, we stand for the freedom to choose, we stand for democracy, we stand for those that have lots livelihoods and loved ones.
Protesters became interspersed with people who were out shopping in the city centre this afternoon
The streets were rammed with people this afternoon as the latest anti-lockdown protest took place in Manchester
The latest march is one of several which have taken place across England in recent weeks as people continue to protest against the government’s latest tiered lockdown measures which has seen large parts of the country subject to draconian restrictions.
Police stood as the man flew his drone in Manchester before he was apprehended and escorted away by three officers
‘Most importantly we stand united for the future of our children.
‘I have been told that GMP greater Manchester police wish us well and want to work with us to ensure our peaceful gathering goes smoothly.’
Protesters took their demonstration to the streets marching around the city centre and chanting.
The protest comes as violent clashes between police and anti-lockdown protesters have broken out elsewhere in recent weeks, including central London last week.
As well as carrying placards, waving banners and chanting, some protesters even worn clothes which promoted their message
The protesters gathered around a large statue of Queen Victoria, chanting and speaking through megaphones
Walkding along the streets, people wearing comical masks and holding placards chanted as they spread their anti-lockdown message
More than 150 arrests were made as thousands of anti-lockdown demonstrators took to the streets and booed officers while chanting ‘shame on you’ on November 28.
Officers detained protesters led by Piers Corbyn who chanted ‘freedom’ and carried placards reading ‘stop controlling us’ and ‘no more lockdowns’ at Marble Arch for flouting coronavirus restrictions.
Tweets posted by Jeremy Corbyn’s brother indicate that grassroots group Save Our Rights UK marched from King’s Cross station through Angel to Hyde Park and along a road parallel to Oxford Street.
While this afternoon’s protest appears to have remained peaceful, Manchester Evening News reported police officers had been injured at previously rally which had taken place at the same location at the beginning of November.