The marches, organised by the South Coast Patriots and Southampton Stand Up To Racism, are expected to take place in the city centre on Saturday, October 3.
Hampshire Constabulary has outlined specific routes and gathering points for each group and will enforce restrictions under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1986.
The ‘patriots’ route in red and Stand Up to Racism route in purple (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)
To further support public safety, a dispersal order will be in effect from 7pm on Friday, October 2, until 7am on Sunday, October 4.
This order gives officers the authority to direct individuals to leave the area and not return within a specified period.
Failure to comply is a criminal offence and can result in arrest.
Additional powers will also be in place to prevent disorder and protect public safety.
Superintendent Alex Charge, district commander for Southampton, said: “Over the course of the last year, we have seen protests and gatherings in our city for a broad range of issues.
“What doesn’t change for any of these is our commitment to policing them without fear or favour, and to ensuring the safety of those attending and other members of the public as they go about their every day lives.”
He said the force had engaged with organisers and introduced measures to minimise risks and maintain order.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We do not organise or authorise protests, marches or events.
“We do not take sides or pass judgement on a cause.
“We are in attendance to protect the right to gather and express views freely and peacefully.
“We can utilise powers if necessary and proportionate before and during protest activity to direct activity of the groups involved to prevent crime and maximise safety.”
The so-called South Coast Patriots have been assigned a gathering point opposite the Red Funnel terminal, with their procession following a designated, police-monitored route.
Protesters have been instructed not to stop during the march, as outlined in the conditions set by police.
Counter-protesters, including Southampton Stand Up To Racism, have also been given a designated starting point.
They will not be permitted to travel south of the Bargate during the protest.
The group has been allocated a gathering point shown in purple on the police map.
Their procession will begin only after the South Coast Patriots group has passed.
A neutral zone, marked in blue, will separate the two groups.
No protesters will be permitted to enter this area.
The South Coast Patriot protesters are to remain in the green area.
South Coast Patriot protesters to stand in the green area, neutral zone marked in blue and Stand Up to Racism in purple (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)
A Section 12 order under the Public Order Act has been placed on the counter-protest, requiring participants to remain within the assigned area and follow the prescribed route.
Their procession will begin only after the South Coast Patriots group has passed through the area.
Additional powers under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2025 will be enforced in the same area from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, October 3.
This prohibits the wearing of face coverings intended to conceal identity during protest activity.
A police spokesperson said: “This will assist in preventing offences, increasing public confidence, protecting communities and supporting the lawful exercise of democratic rights by all participants.
“Failing to comply with the conditions is an offence and can lead to arrest.”
Police have consulted with protest organisers, who have been informed of the restrictions and are expected to communicate them to attendees.
Superintendent Charge said: “I know that some people may feel these powers are an attempt to prevent you from gathering.
“Let me reassure you all, this is not the case.
“Rather, it is an important part of us being able to ensure multiple groups of people can express their views, and the rest of the community can continue to use the City Centre.”
Officers will be present throughout the day to manage the event, ensure public safety, and minimise disruption to businesses and residents.