Demonstrations and Marches

Under Article 11 of the Human Rights Act individuals have the right  to  Free Assembly and Association (external link)

This means you have the right to assemble with other people in a peaceful way. You also have the right to associate with other people, which can include the right to form a trade union. Restrictions upon these rights must be justified by reference to special reasons and legal tests.  

Your right of peaceful assembly includes your individual right to protest in a peaceful way, particularly against the state. You can exercise this right freely provided that, while exercising your rights, you do not commit any wrongful act and you act peacefully and without violence or threat of violence. You also have the right not to take part in an assembly against your will. 

Be fully aware of your rights and responsibilities when organising a public event. You have a democratic right to protest, but your protest may well be subject to conditions set out in a number of laws and measures. Protests can also be affected by police powers and standards of public order. 

You may also have to contact the County Council who are responsible for issues relating to the highways.

To find out more visit the BBC's Action Network Page (external link) or Liberty's guide to peaceful protest (external link)