A protest that drew hundreds of participants last year is set to return to Heywood, Rochdale, on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The event, organized by the Heywood HMO Protesters group, will feature guest speakers from the far-right groups Restore Britain and Britain First, sparking backlash from local officials and veterans.
Protest Details and Organizer Response
The group, which maintains a Facebook presence and campaigns against planned houses of multiple occupation (HMO) in the area, has advertised the protest heavily on social media. Organizers claim the HMO developments could house illegal immigrants, though no substantial evidence supports this claim. The protest is led by Jamie Thomason, who also founded the Heywood Community Guard group.
Despite a request from Rochdale Council to move the event away from Heywood Memorial Gardens, the group has refused. In a Facebook post, the organizers stated: "The council have tried to throw a spanner in the works over us using the memorial gardens. I have told them that we will be 100 per cent respectful and peaceful like the last two protests and we are there to stand firm and show our community spirit and oneness!" The post urged attendees to "be on your best behaviour and remain peaceful."
Council and Veterans' Concerns
Rochdale Council issued a public statement explaining their request. A spokesperson said: "We have asked the organiser of a planned protest due to take place at Heywood Memorial Gardens on Saturday, July 11 to consider relocating the event to an alternative venue. Heywood Memorial Gardens is a dedicated place of remembrance, created to honour members of the armed forces who have served our country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
The council emphasized that the request was not directed at any specific group, noting they have taken similar actions in the past. The Heywood Veterans Association, which organizes events at the gardens such as Remembrance Day services, also raised concerns. The council added: "We have also discussed the matter with Heywood Veterans’ Association, who share the view that the Memorial Gardens should be used only for their intended purpose as a place of remembrance."
Political Backlash
Guest speakers at the protest include Marlon West, the Restore Britain candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral election, and Ashlea Simon, former co-leader of Britain First. Labour MP for Heywood and Middleton North, Elsie Blundell, criticized their involvement. She said: "Why on earth are Restore and Britain First trying to hold a political rally in our memorial gardens? The place is about quiet reflection – not politics. They should be ashamed."
Last year, a similar protest saw hundreds marching with signs reading "save our children," "stop the boats," and "close the HMOs." Organizers have promised a more peaceful event this time, with Thomason expecting a heavy police presence. The protest is scheduled to proceed at the memorial gardens despite council opposition.
