Greater Manchester Police are conducting an investigation following an incident in which members of a neo-Nazi group celebrated Adolf Hitler’s birthday at a pub in Oldham. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, 19 April, at the Duke of Edinburgh pub in Royton.
The individuals involved belong to the British Movement, a fringe far-right extremist organisation. They reportedly displayed racist flags, including those bearing swastikas, and presented a cake decorated with a swastika during the gathering. Images shared on the group’s Telegram feed showed members holding flags emblazoned with Nazi symbols such as swastikas, SS bolts, and the Iron Cross. One photograph had been digitally altered to include a black and white image of Hitler. Video footage also shows members posing with flags and one man making a gesture resembling the Nazi salute while wearing a German national football team shirt with “Fuhrer 44” on the back. A post accompanying the images on Telegram referred to the event as “the 136th Birthday of Uncle A,” referencing Adolf Hitler.
Staff at the Duke of Edinburgh have stated they were unaware of the nature of the group’s activities at the time. Incoming landlady Jean Anderson, who is set to take over the pub the following week, said she was angered by the event. She told the Manchester Evening News, “We didn’t see anything until it was posted online. We thought it was a birthday party. They said they had a cake, but we didn’t know what happened because they covered everything up.” Anderson added that the group sat quietly in a corner of the otherwise busy pub and did not cause any disturbances. She indicated that the individuals involved would not be welcome to return once she assumed management.
Craft Union, the company that owns the Duke of Edinburgh, issued a statement condemning the event. The company described itself as “absolutely appalled at what took place” and assured that the group would be banned from the pub’s premises in the future.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are investigating the incident under Section 18 of the Public Order Act, which covers the display of threatening, abusive, or insulting written material intended to stir up racial hatred. A force spokesperson said, “Police in Oldham are investigating reports that a group attended a pub on Market Street in Royton in possession of Nazi memorabilia. We are treating this incident with the utmost sensitivity and severity, and we are appealing to the public. If you have any information which may assist with the progression of the investigation, please come forward.”
The police have provided contact numbers for anyone wishing to share information relevant to the investigation: 0161 856 9577 or 101, quoting log 784 of 24 April 2025.
The Manchester Evening News is reporting that the police are actively pursuing leads in connection with this matter. The public is urged to provide information to support the investigation into this display of Nazi symbolism and extremist activity at a public venue in Greater Manchester.
Source: Noah Wire Services