Policing operation in place to facilitate planned demonstration

There will be an increased police presence in Fairford tomorrow (Saturday 25 April) as part of an operation to facilitate a planned demonstration. 

The demonstration will start at approximately midday with a march from Fairford High Street to RAF Fairford where a static protest will then take place at the crash gate at the Whelford end of the base’s runway. 

Our colleagues at Gloucestershire County Council’s Highways department will be putting several road closures in place for the safety of everyone involved.

Local residents should expect disruption due to the march and road closures. More information on these closures can be found on Gloucestershire Council Council’s website or social media channels.

We fully respect the fundamental democratic right of being able to protest and we have a long history of facilitating peaceful demonstrations.

While we will enable lawful peaceful protest, we must also balance peoples’ rights of freedom of expression and assembly, with those of the wider public to go about their personal and professional life without disruption.

As a result, we will not hesitate in taking action against anyone who commits any unlawful act.

Officers have been liaising with organisers of the protest and a wide range of local and national partners, this liaison will continue throughout the event and afterwards.

Anyone who has relevant information is encouraged to complete the following online form: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/eo/af/events-processions/