Preston hasn’t seen a protest since the EDL march last year, so the hype surrounding this ‘Anti-Trump’ rally was building pretty fast.

Starting with a Facebook event, it reached about 300 people registering their interest online, with the promise of chants, speakers, signs and a night of community.

Just over 400 Prestonians turned out to the event, starting in the dark of 6pm, in force and ready to listen to speakers and recite short chants, braving the bitter cold in “a show of solidarity” with America.

It didn’t go without its hitches, though! The first ten minutes were plagued by audio issues, with the multiple speakers having to just shout out their messages of love and unity. Sadly, these weren’t heard from the back of the large crowds, however they still cheered with everyone else.

With placards in hand, the 45 minute event was colourful, to say the least. With people of all ages, religions, ethnicity and sexuality united on the infamous Flag Market, under the vibrant neon artwork beaming “Everything Is Going To Be Alright’, Preston’s first protest of 2017 definitely left a little mark – especially the the large number of young children, which their parents constantly telling me was their “first of many” anti-Trump protests.

Read more: Neon sign turned on at the Harris

Preston saw it’s claim to Trump-fame tonight – joining protests in major cities and towns across the UK; London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and more. Did it stand up to these? In its own, special, humble Preston way, sure. We did ourselves proud.

View more pictures from the Trump protest