Hundreds of nationalists and a controversial right wing groups have vowed to march across Brighton – sparking fears of violent clashes with protesters.

England United, which calls itself a “sponsor group that promotes Englishness and St George’s Day”, will be joined by members of the controversial English Defence League (EDL) at a rally on August bank holiday.

It will be the second nationalist march to be held in the city this year following the St George’s Day March for England.

That march was billed as a celebration of Englishness for children and families but organisers of the August rally warned “it will not be a family event.”

Organiser Bill Baker, who was a steward at the March for England parade, said: “There will be three or four times as many people as March for England.

“It’s basically a show of unity and a show of patriotism and a show that we will fly our flag.”

He added that members of EDL divisions in London have confirmed they will be attending the event.

The move will lead to concerns of violent clashes between the group and Unite Against Fascism (UAF).

Nine people were arrested during last month’s march as about 150 nationalists and a similar number of people from Brighton Unity and UAF were involved in a stand-off at Victoria Gardens.

Sussex Police launched a massive operation to cope with the parade and counter-demonstration at a cost of about £100,000.

The organiser of March for England, who did not want to be named, has distanced the group from the August rally.

He said: “As it stands at the moment we have not put our name towards that protest.”

A spokesman for UAF said it will “monitor” the group but played down fears over violence.

Rowland Ravenhill, co-chair Brighton and Hove Unite Against Fascism, said: “This is just another small group trying to jump on the EDL bandwagon.

“Brighton and Hove Unite Against Fascism will continue to monitor any of its plans and will organise an appropriate and peaceful reaction.

“As always with all Brighton and Hove UAF events this will mean providing the opportunity for the largest number of Brighton residents to show their peaceful opposition to any group that brings racism to our city, which is one that treasures its vibrant multi-cultural character."

Despite England United saying Sussex Police had been notified of the rally, a police spokeswoman said they had not been told of it.

She added that if it goes ahead their priority “would be to ensure the safety of the public and protestors alike.”