Large crowds of protesters and counter-protesters faced off outside the Wyvern Theatre during a Drag Queen Story Hour event.
The event, organised by Wiltshire and Swindon Pride, is one of many across the country and saw a speaker read children’s books to a young audience on Sunday, June 11.
But attendees were met with bitter resistance from far-right group Patriotic Alternative, who came to Swindon to protest the event.
The two groups faced off outside the theatre and were kept separate by over 30 police officers during the hour-long performance.
Several Patriotic Alternative speakers attempted to deliver speeches during this time but were often drowned out by loud music played by counter-protesters.
Pete Dilly, from Swindon Stand Up To Racism, explained the counter-demonstration was organised to protect audience members from Patriotic Alternative.
He said: “We’re here because we heard of a threat coming from out of town and that people wanted to shout nasty things at the children and the parents.
"It’s absolutely horrendous so we came to provide a safe space for the kids.
"Protesters on this side have been dancing and happy and kids have come along with their families, they’re going to go home having a nice weekend.”
Another counter-protester, Charlie Gadd from the Socialist Worker’s Party, said the uproar over Drag events for children was rooted in “homophobic” tropes.
He added: “People claim to have a problem with a man dressing up as a woman, but I bet most of these people have been to a pantomime."
Patriotic Alternative members, who prepared for the event by leafletting the town, claimed they wanted to “protect children”.
However, speakers were heard making unfounded, sweeping homophobic remarks directed towards counter-protesters and police.
This included accusing them of “grooming children” and claiming it was “against the natural order for a man to be with another man”.
Patriotic Alternative, led by Mark Collett, have previously expressed ‘white pride’ views and members were involved in a riot at a hotel housing migrants in Liverpool.
Despite tensions growing throughout the morning, no arrests were made and both groups left shortly after 12.30pm, with protesters followed by police.
The Drag Queen speaking at the event and her audience thanked counter-protesters for creating a “safe, inclusive space”.
Mr Dilly added he hopes the town can “help us in a peaceful and inclusive way” to prevent such incidents in the future.
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