A protest march is expected to draw hundreds of people to the city’s streets today on what will be a busy day for Christmas shoppers.

Sussex Police said they have been working with the organisers of The Brighton March for Free Education ahead of the march today, with protesters meeting at The Level at 1pm and marching through the city between 2pm and 4pm.

Meanwhile, there is a day of discussion and debate on Palestine at the University of Brighton’s Pavilion Parade Building between 10am and 4.30pm, with associated activities at the Clock Tower.

Chief Inspector Katy Woolford said: “We are working with organisers to minimise, as far as possible, disruption to the city while the various activities take place. Residents and visitors can expect to see a visible and reassuring presence from police, but this is aimed primarily at keeping things running smoothly and peacefully.

“As always, our priority is public safety. It is vitally important that those attending the events work with us and comply with directions or other restrictions which we will need to give to keep people safe.

“We are also working closely with travel companies, including Brighton and Hove Buses, to ensure any impact on the city is kept to a minimum.

“We have a duty to balance the rights of people to carry out a peaceful protest with allowing those who wish to go about their normal business in the city to do so, whilst always prioritising public safety through preventing crime and disorder.

“Unlawful behaviour – or that which goes beyond what could be considered reasonable in terms of peaceful protest – will not be tolerated and will be dealt with positively.”

The protest has drawn criticism in the city centre.

One trader, who asked not to be named, said: “Having lived and worked in the centre of Brighton for the last two years, I have noticed what seems to be a never-ending carousel of marches, demonstrations or whatever else you want to call these gatherings that end up achieving nothing more than giving the police more babysitting practice.

“For all the noise, delayed traffic, inconveniences to the council, businesses, residents and shop-goers, I wonder what is actually being achieved?

“Despite these efforts to raise public awareness for their cause, I would be surprised if the average observer remembers a single argument shouted through a megaphone.

“It seems that the symbolism of the spectacle itself is masking the message it is intended to deliver. Perhaps the protesters could consider a different medium for their campaign?”