Exeter city centre set for major protest as Stand Up To Racism march announced

A protest is set to take place in Exeter city centre on Saturday 17 January, with police confirming additional public order measures will be in place as two separate marches take place in the city.

The event has been organised by Stand Up To Racism Exeter, which says the demonstration is intended to oppose racism and promote inclusivity. 

Participants are expected to gather at Bedford Square from midday, before setting off at around 12.30pm. 

Organisers say the march will include music from MAYDAY Morris, the Devon Drummers and a marching brass band.

The protest follows similar demonstrations held in Exeter in October and November last year. 

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On 22 November 2025, police estimated that around 1,500 people attended an “Exeter is for Everyone” march, while approximately 110 people took part in a far-right British Unity Walk. 

A similar pattern was seen on 25 October 2025, when around 1,000 people joined an anti-racism demonstration.

Andy Gibson, an organiser with Stand Up To Racism Exeter, said the January protest was intended to reflect concerns about what he described as an increase in racist rhetoric in national political debate.

“We live in a time when racist rhetoric has become increasingly common in our political language,” he said. 

“I think the majority of people want to live in peace with people of different ethnicities and religions, and are concerned about the rise of racism.” 

“Our protest aimed to give a voice to those people.”

Mr Gibson said previous demonstrations in Exeter had attracted larger crowds than expected. “We hoped for four to five hundred people, but turnout was closer to one thousand,” he said. 

“People from different organisations, political groups and faith backgrounds came together to take part.”

He said organisers wanted to challenge what they see as the linking of asylum seekers to wider social and economic issues. 

“Our message is that asylum seekers are not responsible for the cost-of-living crisis or pressures on public services,” he said.

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed a Section 60AA order will be in place from 10am to 6pm on Saturday. 

The order gives officers additional powers to require the removal of face coverings or any item being used to conceal identity. 

It applies to the area already covered by the city centre Public Spaces Protection Order.

Police said the powers are intended to support their overall aim of facilitating peaceful protest while preventing crime and disorder and balancing the rights of others. 

Officers will be deployed across the city centre throughout the day to reassure residents, shoppers and businesses.

In addition, police have imposed conditions under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act between 11am and 3pm. These set out restrictions on protest routes, timings and where groups are permitted to assemble.

Both protest groups are expected to begin assembling from 11am. Neither an assembly nor a procession will be permitted on the road surface of Exeter High Street between Eastgate and Catherine Square. 

The restriction also applies to the pavement on the south side of the High Street between those points, except where a procession crosses while leaving or returning to Bedford Street.

Police said they remain in contact with organisers of both marches and will continue to manage the operation throughout the day.

Organisers of the Stand Up To Racism protest have said they are encouraging people to attend peacefully and have described the event as an opportunity to express opposition to racism and support for inclusive communities in Exeter.