Force prepares for busy weekend in Bournemouth with protests set to take place
The Force is preparing for a busy weekend in Bournemouth, with planned protests expected to bring additional visitors to the town.
The protests are set to take place during the afternoon of Saturday 11 July 2026 and officers are working hard to ensure they result in minimal disruption to local communities and businesses.
Chief Inspector Darren Harris, of Dorset Police, said: “It is vital for us to ensure those demonstrating as well as those living in and visiting the town can have a safe and enjoyable time and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.
“Our priority is always to keep people safe and in every decision around policing public order and protests we will facilitate the right to peaceful protest while balancing the use of legal powers so we can ensure that safety.
"Based on this, we have worked with the organisers and have made the decision to impose conditions on the protest to maintain safety of those protesting and the wider community, while minimising disruption.
"Bournemouth Patriots have informed Dorset Police of plans to hold a procession prior to reaching their designated protest zone in Meyrick Road. They are required to follow a set route for this, as specified on the map. They must leave their starting point in Boscombe Spa Road no earlier than 12.45pm on Saturday 11 July 2026 and no later than 1.15pm.
"With the exception of a medical emergency, they must continually move until they reach their protest zone in Meyrick Road, and any temporary pause at the Britannia Hotel must be for no longer than five minutes to prevent further disruption and intimidation to the local residents and population.
“Once in Meyrick Road, protest participants will be required to demonstrate in specific locations: Those demonstrating alongside Bournemouth Patriots are required to protest in the green zone while any counter protesters are required to protest in the yellow zone as are outlined on the map of Meyrick Road.
"A road closure will also be in place along a small section of Meyrick Road with residential access maintained.
“Protest participants must disperse by 5pm on Saturday 11 July 2026 under Section 14 of the Public Order Act, and use designated routes to do this.
“Appropriate resources are in place and we will continue to work together with the organisers, BCP Council and other emergency service colleagues. Should you have any concerns on the day please do approach the officers which will be highly visible in the area."
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