As the August bank holiday weekend approaches, London is set to become a stage for a wave of protests reflecting some of the most urgent and polarising political issues in the UK today.
From anti-immigration demonstrations targeting asylum seeker accommodation, to coordinated pro-Palestine actions across multiple boroughs, the capital will once again witness its streets become a battleground for public expression, resistance, and dissent.
Amid the celebrations of Notting Hill Carnival, many Londoners will also be navigating disrupted routes, increased police presence, and powerful expressions of political activism.
Here’s a list of all the protests and marches that are taking place this bank holiday weekend (August 22-25).
All weekend
Anti‑immigration protests targeting migrant hotels
A large wave of protests of at least 27 separate demonstrations is scheduled across the UK this bank holiday weekend, including in London, primarily targeting hotels housing asylum seekers.
These protests follow a High Court ruling ordering the closure of The Bell Hotel in Epping over planning and safety concerns. Councils nationwide, including in London, are considering similar legal action.
A protest under the banner ‘Thistle Barbican needs to go – locals say no’ is scheduled for a hotel in Islington.
A counter-protest will be led by Stand Up To Racism, with support from groups including Finsbury Park Mosque, Jeremy Corbyn, and Islington Labour Party.
The Metropolitan Police have imposed protest boundaries under the Public Order Act.
There will be a separate anti-immigration protest within King Charles Square, from 1 pm to 4 pm. A counter-protest will take place within Lever Street near Central Street, starting from 12pm to 4pm.
Saturday, August 23
Palestine Solidarity Campaign - Boycott Barclays
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), a major pro-Palestinian advocacy group in England and Wales, is behind the Boycott Barclays campaign.
They argue that Barclays has deep financial involvement with arms companies supplying weapons to Israel and plays a key role in helping Israel raise funds by acting as a “primary dealer” for Israeli government bonds.
Expect the following Barclays branches in London to be busier than usual:
