ORGANISERS behind March For England are “100%” up for coming back to Brighton next year.

Despite its 2014 parade through the city centre being marred by violence and vandalism, with 27 people arrested for disorder, the group has signalled its desire to return to the south coast.

Mat Silva, an organiser of March For England (MFE), told The Argus: “I would love to come back to Brighton, 100%, but it has to be for the right reasons.”

“The main consideration will be seeing if it affects local businesses,” adding that a decision would be made this autumn after liaising with Police.

The march, which distances itself from far-right groups such as the English Defence League, has drawn criticism from opposition activists who view it as racist and fascist.

An opposition group called Stop The March For England, argues that MFE is a front for the English Defence League and the National Front.

Spokesman Tony Campbell said: “Obviously this is still early days but if the March For England returns next April we will make sure the city is ready to send them a message and leave them in no doubt that we reject their message of racism and hatred.”

The news comes after protesters marched on Blackpool seafront on Saturday.

Film footage appears to show some people making Nazi-style salutes.

Speaking to press, a member of the march said they were “the quiet side of the EDL” and supported Ukip.

One eyewitness, Andrew Forsythe, 36, who travelled from Brighton, said: “It is clear it has dropped any pretence of being a family day out.”

MFE was in Brighton on April 23 for St George’s Day, though its presence was significantly diluted to 11 people waving flags and sightseeing.

Mr Silva said: “It was a great day. It was just to prove who we were and show that we can behave in a respectable manner.”

Explaining why MFE chose Brighton initially, Mr Silva said: “One of our committee members lives here.

“We thought Brighton would be a good day out for the kids, and it was for a couple of years. Our sole intention to come to Brighton is a family thing.”

A Sussex police spokeswoman said the force had not been approached by MFE about an event, and said: “We are not engaged in making any plans to police an event at this time.”

Background

The group held a march in Brighton every year since 2008 until last year.

Its 2014 march racked up a £545,000 policing bill.

This was a £52,000 increase on the year before and meant an average of £3,633 was spent on each of the 150 nationalists who took part.

A total of 1,325 officers patrolled the event – nine officers for every protester.

An estimated 1,000 anti-fascist protesters also gathered for the event.