The switch-on of the Rochester Christmas lights has been postponed to avoid it coinciding with a Britain First march.

The event was due to start at noon on Saturday, with children’s activities and performances in the High Street, followed by the switch-on at 5pm by singer Jamie Johnson.

But following the announcement that the far-right group Britain First would be staging its second march through the town at the same time, the council has decided to move the event to Sunday.

A Medway Council spokesman said: “The big Christmas lights switch on in Rochester will take place on Sunday, 16 November.

"The event has been rescheduled to ensure it does not overlap with by-election campaign events.”

A letter was sent to all businesses who are members of the Rochester City Centre Forum yesterday which said the police had “strongly recommended” the event should be rearranged.

It follows clashes between Britain First and opponents in Rochester High Street on Saturday, November 1.

Around 35 members of Britain First descended on the town centre but were met at Rochester station by a group of local people who tried to stop them marching on.

Britain First pushed their way into Rochester High Street but outside the City Wall pub, their opponents, who had grown in number to well over 100, were determined to stand their ground.

After more than two hours of insults, and the opponents clutching placards with “stop the BF nazis” written on and yelling “we don’t want you here”, Britain First turned and left to the tune of jeers.

The event on Sunday will take place from 3.45pm. Jamie Johnson will still be doing the light switch-on.

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