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  "description": "Security plans are in place ahead of planned protests outside a Leicester venue set to host a controversial Katie Hopkins show",
  "path": "/police-issue-update-on-planned-protest-outside-katie-hopkins-event/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-24T09:23:58.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.leicester.news",
  "tags": [
    "Leicester Gazette",
    "standards code",
    "Learn more",
    "Click here for membership"
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  "textContent": "This story was written by the ****local democracy reporting service (LDRS),**** a BBC-funded scheme to improve the coverage of issues relating to local democracy. The Leicester Gazette has been a partner in the scheme since March 2024, and so receives some stories as part of it.\n\n****Because LDRS reporters are not employed by the Gazette, their stories do not follow our style guide or**** standards code****.****\n\n\n                            Learn more\n                        \n\nThe Athena theatre in the city’s Cultural Quarter is set to host the media personality this Thursday (June 25) – that’s despite calls from members of the public to cancel the show over fears it would stir division in the multicultural city.\n\nKatie Hopkins, who first found fame on the BBC’s The Apprentice before becoming a right-wing commentator, is coming to Leicester as part of her Free Range comedy show.\n\nAccording to her website, the “British funny woman” will target “useless politicians, idiot celebrities and the morons in our midst” during the act.\n\nLeicester’s branch of Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) has planned a demonstration outside the event, saying they are unhappy with Mrs Hopkins’ previous comments which they say amount to “hate speech”.\n\nCath Lewis, branch head, said: “Katie Hopkins does not represent the values of our city or of our many communities.\n\n“SUTR and many different organisations in Leicester are proud of our city – its diversity and its history of migration is what makes it strong, what makes it beautiful, and what makes it unique.\n\n“The hate speech and dislike for humanity is everything Leicester doesn’t represent. We want to make it clear that those kinds of ideas are not welcome in the city.\n\n## Join the conversation\n\nOur app is more than just a way to keep up – it's a gateway to award-winning journalism and the local community.\n\n\n\n\n__Want to support our work?__ Click here for membership__.__\n\n“Many, many people are absolutely disgusted at Athena for hosting Katie Hopkins at this really important point in our country’s history.\n\n“We’re absolutely disgusted at their lack of care and interest in the city in which they make their money.”\n\nLeicestershire Police said the force is “aware” of the protest and “supports the right to peaceful protest”.\n\nThey added an “appropriate” policing plan is already in place ahead of the event on Thursday.\n\nLeicester City Council enforces a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the city centre, which in part forbids the use of unauthorised amplification and temporary structures.\n\nPolitical activists have previously been fined for using a campaign table without permission from the council.\n\nHowever, the council stressed that the PSPO does not prevent or restrict people’s right to peaceful protest.\n\nIt adds Leicestershire Police are responsible for managing and responding to demonstrations of this nature.\n\n* * *\n\n**Before you go…** We've recently surpassed 1,000 subscribers, which is amazing considering we're a small team on a shoestring budget.\n\nNow, we're ready for the next stage of the Leicester Gazette. **Download our new app and get all of our journalism anytime, anywhere.**\n\nThe app connects with **Bluesky** , **Mastodon** and **Threads** , giving you access to a network of around 60 million people. It's a safer, more meaningful alternative to mainstream social media – owned by the community.\n\n* * *",
  "title": "Police issue update on planned protest outside Katie Hopkins event",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-24T11:23:59.939Z"
}