Pro-Palestine protesters gather outside Bolton Town Hall

The demonstration, organised by campaign group Bolton for Palestine, saw activists holding placards in Victoria Square and speaking to passers-by.

The group remained at the scene until around 11am.

Kevin McKeon, speaking during the protest, said: “We’ve been protesting here in Bolton town centre for eight months now.

“We’re trying to raise people’s awareness of the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza.”

He said there were concerns the situation in Gaza could be overshadowed by other global events.

He added: “At the moment, we’re particularly concerned that the situation in Gaza may be forgotten because of the concern throughout the world about the situation in Iran.

“Even though there is supposed to be a ceasefire in Gaza, we know that Israel is not keeping to that ceasefire.

The group are calling for Bolton residents to boycott Israeli goods (Image: NQ)

He added: “Israeli forces continue to prevent aid getting in, and the plight of the people is just desperate. And the world stands by. That’s the tragedy and the scandal.”

Mr McKeon also criticised the UK Government’s position on the conflict.

“We are particularly incensed that the British government has been complicit,” he said.

“We condemn their inaction and call upon them to sanction Israel, follow the example of Spain, follow the example of South Korea, follow the example of Pakistan.”

He urged people in Bolton to take action locally.

He said: “People in Bolton, obviously, we’d love more and more to come to our protests on Friday.

“But we also want people to do two things. One, write to their MPs, write to their councillors, insist that they take action.”

Bolton has seen regular pro-Palestine demonstrations since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, with campaign groups holding protests, vigils and awareness events in the town centre.

Similar demonstrations have taken place across Greater Manchester and the UK, reflecting ongoing public concern about the conflict and its humanitarian impact.

Organisers say the Bolton protests will continue in the coming weeks.