Hundreds of protesters gathered outside The Honor Oak pub in Lewisham on Saturday to counter-protest the right-wing group Turning Point, after they announced they would try to prevent a drag queen storytelling event for children.
The Honor Oak released a statement prior to the demonstration on Facebook and said the event is “all age appropriate.”
They added: “It has come to our attention that there may be some misunderstanding about the event.
“We wanted to reassure you all that our popular Magical Storytelling event will be age appropriate and it isn’t anything different to what families will see and experience together in a theatre.
“This event is an opportunity for families and friends to come together and listen to a reading of a storybook and have fun.
“The most important thing for us is that everyone is safe and happy when they are here.”
The demonstration outside the pub was met with immense support from pro-LGBT+ rights activists and south east London residents.
Only around 35 protesters showed up for the far-right – including GB News host and Free Church of England member Deacon Calvin Robinson, who has previously stated his opposition to same-sex marriage.
More than 400 people stood 100 metres away defending the event, hosted by drag queen That Girl, drowning out a speech from Robinson with a chorus of boos, sirens, and chants.
While the event attracted an expansive amount of police attention amid the fears of another right-wing rally turning violent such as that seen outside the Tate Britain earlier this month, the police deemed it ‘largely peaceful’.
The full statement from Metropolitan Police read: “Police attended a protest outside a venue in St German’s Road, SE23, 25 February.
“Officers engaged with the group throughout, facilitating what was largely a peaceful protest.
“It has since concluded. Five people were arrested in connection with the protest.”
Five people were arrested in connection with the protest.
Join the discussion