Protests and counter-protests in Manchester city centre passed without major incident on Saturday 31 October 2026, with around 400 people gathering near Albert Square, Greater Manchester Police said. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, with only two arrests made during the day.

One person was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, while a second person was arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with an unrelated incident. Both individuals were later released without charge, police said. Officers kept the two groups apart during the afternoon, and no significant disorder was reported.

How police handled the day

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Dexter said the policing operation was designed to balance the right to peaceful protest with the need to keep the city centre safe and moving for everyone else, and that both groups were able to exercise their rights safely. Increased stop and search powers under Section 60 were authorised in the city centre from 12:45pm to help public safety, and were lifted after the day's events unfolded without significant disorder.

Police said turnout was lower than anticipated and almost all demonstrators caused no issues for officers. The contrast with larger and more troubled protest weekends elsewhere in the country was noted in local reporting, but the Manchester outcome itself was straightforward: a contained, largely peaceful afternoon, two arrests, and both people released without charge.