Brighton library drag protesters joined by Pier Corbyn

Two sets of campaigners packed the pavements outside the library in Jubilee Square, Brighton, as drag queen Aida H Dee read to youngsters inside.

A big crowd was there to support the event, while just a smattering of protesters had to use a megaphone to keep up with the pace.

A large crowd supporting the drag queen event in Brighton

Speaking at the time, Brighton resident Patrick O’Donnell said: "These guys are protesting and saying that all drag queens are paedophiles.

"So we're here in solidarity with our trans, LGBTQ, gay brothers and sisters, and the drag queen that's doing the story telling. It's really sad and really upsetting."

Patrick O'Donnell

Patrick said the solidarity protests were the “real Pride celebrations” ahead of the weekend.

Hundreds of people were there to show their support for the storytelling event, and its opposers were branded “fascists”.

Aida H Dee

Controversial protester Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, made an appearance – on the side of those against the drag event.

“Having a drag queen reading stories to children is inappropriate, that is what we're objecting to,” said Piers.

A man was seen shouting “you’re a f*****g idiot, you’re a f*****g idiot” at Piers before being moved on by police.

A man telling Pier Corbyn his point of view

The drag event began at 10.30am, before a second was held at Hove Library at 1pm which also drew a crowd of protesters from both sides.

A 29-year-old man and 64-year-old man were arrested outside Hove Library in Church Road.

Supporters of the drag event in Brighton

They got into an altercation with a “smattering” of anti-drag protesters, including Piers Corbyn, who were holding signs saying “keep drag away from our children”.

One of the arrested men in Hove

The 64-year-old man was arrested for allegedly spitting on someone, the other man was arrested for allegedly causing criminal damage to a mobile phone.

There were no arrests made during the protests in Brighton, but the atmosphere remained tense as the two groups faced off from opposite sides of the street.