These are the Black Lives Matter protests planned for towns in and around Lancashire

Black Lives Matter protests are planned to take place across Lancashire. Pic credit: Richard KosikBlack Lives Matter protests are planned to take place across Lancashire. Pic credit: Richard Kosik
Black Lives Matter protests are planned to take place across Lancashire. Pic credit: Richard Kosik
A number of anti-racism protests are planned to take place in towns around Lancashire this weekend and next week.

The planned protests follow peaceful demonstrations across Lancashire recently, in response to the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in the US last month.

Tomorrow (Saturday, June 13), a protest has been planned for Bolton, where demonstrators can join a 'March for Justice' outside the Town Hall in Victoria Square at 1pm.

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It has been organised by Bolton4blm, with organisers stressing that it will be a 'strict social distancing protest' and those attending must wear masks and gloves.

College student Ridah Hassan, speaking on behalf of the organisers, said: "We are planning for a protest taking place this Saturday in Bolton town centre to raise awareness in our local community.

"By coming together and protesting inequality we will hopefully send a message to many people that we do not tolerate racial abuse and we want to bring change. The change that we want to bring is peace and love."

Demonstrators will also gather in Southport on Saturday, with a 'peaceful protest' planned to take place outside the Town Hall in Lord Street at 1pm.

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Crowds are also expected to gather in Blackburn, outside the Old Town Hall in King William Street, for a demonstration on Monday (June 15).

The event will begin at 1pm and organisers said there will be music, poetry and an open mic for people to share their thoughts.

People have been advised to wear masks and keep 2 metres apart to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The protest will also stay in one place as opposed to the marches undertaken at other events.

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An anti-racism rally was due to be held in Fleetwood today (Friday, June 12), but it has been cancelled because organisers felt public safety might be an issue in view of an angry backlash against it.

The event had been set to take place at the Marine Gardens from 1pm, following peaceful protests in Blackpool’s Stanley Park and in Lytham over the past week.

Organiser Anita Morgan, an 18 year old student from Fleetwood, said: "As much as I would love to show our solidarity and support for Black Lives Matter, my main concern has to be public safety.

"As a result of the angry reaction from some people on social media towards this event, I felt that I could not guarantee the safety of people taking part.

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"If there were to be any problems at the demonstration, it would also totally distract from our message and create the wrong impression.

"I am obviously disappointed that I am not able to support a very good cause by holding this event in my own home town."

You can read more about the cancellation of the Fleetwood protest here.

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