UKIP Protest and Counter-protest at Sheffield

A UKIP-organised “Reclaim Sheffield” rally and a counter-demonstration under the banner “Keep our city Nazi-free” brought Sheffield city centre to a standstill on Saturday, as police clashed with protesters and made several arrests before both events ended peacefully by mid-afternoon.

The day began around 11:30 a.m. with police closing roads across the city centre, including Blonk Street, in preparation for the rallies. South Yorkshire Police said a “proportionate response” was in place to maintain public safety, with mounted officers and barricades deployed near Tudor Square and Castlegate.

Counter-protesters, many associated with Stand Up to Racism, gathered outside Sheffield Cathedral shortly before noon, chanting “Refugees are welcome here” and holding banners reading “Keep our city Nazi-free.” Police initially prevented the group from marching, but they were later escorted towards Castlegate, where UKIP supporters were expected to assemble.

By early afternoon, more than 100 counter-protesters had arrived at Castlegate. When UKIP supporters, many dressed in black, with hoods and face coverings, appeared at around 2 p.m., police formed multiple lines to keep the two groups apart. Both sides exchanged chants and insults across a barricade, while officers on horseback maintained separation.

Tensions soon escalated. Around 1:25 p.m., shoving broke out between counter-protesters and police, leading to the first physical confrontation of the day. Later, a small group of anti-UKIP demonstrators was pushed to the ground during a police advance, and at least one person was arrested and taken away in handcuffs.

By 3:15 p.m., both rallies had largely dispersed. UKIP supporters were moved away from the area under police escort, followed shortly by counter-protesters leaving Castlegate. Officers began withdrawing from the city centre around 3:45 p.m., marking the official end of the operation.

While no major injuries were reported, the day saw multiple arrests and several confrontations between police and demonstrators. The rallies underscored Sheffield’s ongoing political divisions over immigration and far-right activity.