THE Black Lives Matter protest being held in Chippenham tomorrow is about supporting the racial equality movement and showing respect for people, and will be entirely peaceful, say its organisers.

"We will be having speakers who will explain the movement's aims, and encourage people to support them," said co-organiser Jacques Tagholm. "I would like to emphasise that we are an anti-racist movement. We don't condone any violence or aggression or vandalism - if anyone does try to use our protest to do that we will condemn it."

Mr Tagholm, who grew up in Chippenham after his family moved to the town in 2009, was speaking after local veterans took to social media to say they would be 'protecting' the war memorial at St Andrew's Church on Saturday, fearing the event could lead to vandalism there.

"It is not anything we would condone," Jacques said. "This is about having respect for people, not about disrespect, why would we want that to happen?"

Together with his friend Achaynnie Blake, he has spent a week planning the event, which will start at The Buttercross at 2pm, to which people are asked to bring hand sanitiser and face marks and respect social distancing.

"I went to the event in Bristol and it was inspirational," he said. "I heard about the ones in Trowbridge and Newbury and I thought if they can have a fantastic turnout why can't we here in Chippenham?

"I feel a really strong connection to the town, I am really glad we have been able to do this."

As well as speakers, the protest will include an 'open mic' session for people attending to voice their own views on Black Lives Matter and their own experiences.

Today Inspector James Brain, of Chippenham police, who have been working with Mr Tagholm and Ms Blake on the event, said: “We are aware of a planned Black Lives Matter demonstration in Chippenham on Saturday and we have been engaging with the organisers, who aim for it to be a peaceful demonstration.

“As with other demonstrations in recent weeks, we will put in place proportionate policing plans, working with communities and those taking part wherever possible.

“However, we must remind people that we remain in the middle of a COVID19 pandemic and there are still restrictions in place to prevent its spread, which include not gathering outside in groups of more than six people.

“So for whatever reason people want to come together, we ask that people continue to work with officers at this challenging time.”