Posters have circulated on social media, claiming to be from a group called ‘UK Freedom Movement’ urging Britons to “celebrate life” by turning up at parks with picnics and music. The posters say the events are planned for cities including Manchester, Sheffield, London, Bournemouth, Southampton and Nottingham and are in protest against the “unlawful lockdown”. Despite suspicions that some of the events may be a hoax, police have taken the flyers seriously.

One flyer advertising a party in Sheffield for Saturday reads: “Join the UK Freedom Movement and be a part of the largest mass gathering since the lockdown.”

It goes on: “We say no to the coronavirus bill, no to mandatory vaccines, no to the new normal and no to the unlawful lockdown.”

Cardiff, Plymouth, Edinburgh and Barnstable in Devon are also on the radar for planned events according to the flyers.

They urge members of the public to gather in major parks this Saturday nearly two months after the coronavirus lockdown measures were implemented.

Police in Nottingham have said they will patrol parks where the proposed gatherings are planned on Saturday afternoon.

Nottinghamshire Police chief constable Craig Guildford said the force had drawn up contingency plans in expectation of the events.

He said: “We are aware of the social media coverage which includes Southampton, London and Cardiff as well.

“We are planning, as a contingency, with our partners in the city council as we monitor the situation.

#“Should any individual endanger the public by not obeying social distancing the police at the scene will be taking positive action to protect the public.”

People angered by the flyers have taken to Twitter to voice their outrage.

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One person said the idea was nothing short of stupid.

She said: “Saying ‘no to the new normal’ or ‘no to the lockdown’ is not saying ‘yes to life’.

“It is actively putting your own life – and the life of others – at risk.

“It is a whole new level of stupidity and the people involved should be ashamed.

“Don’t risk other peoples’ lives.”

Others dubbed the proposed events as “reckless”.

Bristol City Council issued a statement warning people not to attend gatherings in its parks.

They said: “We strongly discourage people from attending any Bristol park or outdoor space for a mass gathering.

“More stringent enforcement measures for non-compliance with the new rules have also come into effect and fines have increased for the small minority who break the law.”

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