11 February 2023 , 13:38
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Protesters have clashed outside Tate Britain today over a drag storytelling event for children being held at the art gallery in London.
The museum hired drag artist Aide H Dee to read stories to children during a pop-up event organised for the February half-term.
Aida, described on the Tate Britain website as the first drag artist in Europe to read stories to children in a nursery, is a professional author.
The event went ahead but far-right protesters gathered outside the art gallery wearing t-shirts with slogans such as "groom dogs not children" with left-wing activists also attending the demonstration to defend LGBTQ+ communities against hate.
Police were pictured at the scene amid confrontations between the groups of protesters.
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Anti fascists and members of Stand up to Racism demonstrate against the Patriotic Alternative protest at the Tate Britain (Matthew Chattle/REX/Shutterstock)The Drag Queen and author alleged five "haters" entered Tate Britain during one of the three reading sessions, causing disruption - but did not reach the area where the show was taking place.
Aida added that "loads of families" attended the event which proved to be successful.
Drag Queen Story UK was organised to engage children's creativity and love for reading stories, according to the description of the event.
Protesters gathered to demonstrate against hate (Getty Images)Aida is one of the multiple performers based around the UK who have worked across schools, festivals, museums, nurseries and private events.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told the Mirror: "Officers are at the location.
"There has been one arrest on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
Aida H Dee is a children's author and Drag Queen (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)"This relates to comments made towards a police officer. No injury reported."
Tate Britain said in a statement: "Police attended a disturbance outside Tate Britain this morning.
"The gallery has remained open to visitors throughout the day and all events went ahead as planned."
Counter protesters assemble to confront the right wing Patriotic Alternative group (Getty Images)