05/03/2026
*Joint Community Statement Regarding the events of Sunday 15 February and subsequent misinformation*
On Sunday 15 February, a group of approximately 20 masked men identifying themselves as “Bristol Patriots” entered our residential neighbourhood during a Sunday afternoon fundraiser at The Red Lion.
They arrived masked, wearing balaclavas and protective gear, waving flags, filming on phones, and positioning themselves directly outside a community pub hosting an anti-racist benefit gig. Police were present shortly before their arrival and remained on site.
For over an hour, the group surrounded the pub, blocked access points, used amplified sound equipment, chanted slogans, and directed abuse toward people entering and leaving the premises. Passing members of the public, including families and local residents, were subjected to shouted threats and intimidation.
This was not a quiet or neutral presence. It was a coordinated act designed to intimidate a community space during a lawful fundraiser.
*Addressing the False Claims*
In the days following the incident, Bristol "Patriots" posted statements online presenting what they describe as “the truth.” Those claims do not reflect the evidence.
After speaking with police, reviewing CCTV footage, and gathering multiple eyewitness accounts from attendees, neighbours, and local residents, we state clearly:
They were not attacked from behind.
No female member of their group was “targeted.”
No disabled person was “targeted.”
The confrontation occurred outside the pub after prolonged intimidation outside the pub.
Their portrayal of themselves as disciplined victims does not match what is visible on CCTV or described consistently by witnesses.
Police have confirmed they are reviewing CCTV and body-cam footage. We are confident that the record will reflect what the community saw.
*Who We Are*
The Red Lion and neighbouring pubs are longstanding community spaces. Over recent years, especially during Covid lockdowns, we:
Delivered food parcels to vulnerable families across Easton, Kingswood, Hartcliffe and beyond
Raised tens of thousands of pounds for local people in crisis
Received grant support from city councillors for community work
Were awarded civic recognition for outstanding service
Our fundraiser on Sunday was consistent with that tradition: people gathering peacefully to raise money and support one another.
We are not extremists. We are neighbours.
*The Impact on Our Community*
Families watched masked men chanting outside their windows. Parents had to explain to children why men in balaclavas were shouting on their street. Long-term residents were reminded of previous decades of far-right street intimidation.
Easton is a diverse neighbourhood. For us, anti-fascism is not a slogan or a flag to get behind - it is a lived necessity rooted in personal and family history. This country fought for it.
Over 100 neighbours and locals gathered not to escalate, but to stand together. The overwhelming response from the community meeting that followed was simple:
We look after each other here.
*Our Position*
We support the right to peaceful protest. What we experienced was not peaceful engagement. Arriving masked, in formation, with protective gear and amplified sound, to surround a pub during a fundraiser is an act of intimidation — particularly in a residential, multicultural area.
If anyone genuinely wishes to discuss immigration, politics, or community concerns, they are welcome to do so without masks, threats or online misinformation.
We will not allow our community to be misrepresented.
We will not accept false allegations about events for which there is clear video and eyewitness evidence.
And we will continue to host events that raise funds, build solidarity, and strengthen our neighbourhood.
Easton is a proud community.
We stand together.
We are not intimidated.
