An event billed as “a peaceful multicultural celebration of unity” is to go ahead in the city centre at the same time as the EDL’s static protest.

We Are Bradford is a coalition of local groups and individuals and Unite Against Fascism (UAF) which will be holding the event on Exchange Square on Saturday afternoon.

West Yorkshire Police have already designated the UAF’s presence as a counter-protest to the EDL which will be policed accordingly.

We Are Bradford say it will be not a protest but rather a celebration event, though the UAF’s website is encouraging people to attend on Satur- day under the We Are Bradford banner.

We Are Bradford said it was strongly committed to united opposition against racism and the EDL “seek to divide us”.

“We will not be divided, we support one united voice for the people of Bradford and all those who want to say ‘No to the EDL’.”

They also say that last week they “reached final agreement with West Yorkshire police for a venue for our peaceful multi-cultural celebration on August 28 outside the Victoria Hotel in Exchange Square, Drake Street.

“We call on all individuals and organisations in Bradford and all supporters elsewhere to unite and support the ‘We Are Bradford’ event.”

Other groups, however, are calling for people to stay away from Bradford city centre on Saturday if they can, and to make their opposition to the EDL known either at the Infirmary Fields event or on Friday night’s city centre peace vigil.

We are Bradford spokesperson Ashiq Hussain said: “Bradford is a proud, multicultural city. We will celebrate our unity on the 28th August and say with one voice – the EDL are not welcome in our city.”