After a week of disorder across Belfast there are set to be further protests in the city on Friday evening.
The protests planned for the city centre come at the same time as a number of concerts taking place in the city and the usual end-of-week rush hour.
The potential disruption expected later today has already led to Queen’s University Belfast taking the decision to close its campus.
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What is planned for later today?
Two protests are scheduled to take place later in Belfast city centre.
An anti-racism ‘Unity Over Division’ rally is set to take place between 4.30pm to 7pm outside the city hall.
The protest has urged people to: “Take a stand against racism, fascism and Islamophobia by attending the peaceful counter protest.”
Meanwhile, plans for a separate far-right protest at the city hall have been spread across social media.
The protest is reportedly set to begin at 5pm.
Is there any disruption to public transport today?
So far none of Belfast’s bus or rail services have been impacted by events planned for later today.
In a statement on Thursday, the public service operator said it would be working closely with the PSNI and would update passengers of any disruption later on social media platforms.
A spokesperson for Translink said: “We liaise closely with the PSNI and will continue to follow their guidance – and any diversionary routes in place.
“Any changes to Translink services will be posted on our social media channels.”
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What advice has the PSNI issued?
The PSNI said it are aware of a number of protests planned for the city later today.
A spokesperson said: “We will have a significant policing operation in place, and are working hard to keep everyone safe, while supporting the right to peaceful protest.
“We would remind everyone that when engaging in protest, they should adhere to the following:
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What other events are taking place in the city tonight?
As usual on a typical Friday during the summer in Belfast there are a number of other events also scheduled to take place.
Thousands of people will be coming into the city as English ska and pop band Madness take to the stage at the Custom House Square Festival with doors set to open at 6pm.
Meanwhile at the Ulster Hall on Bedford Street close to the city centre, classical concert fans are set to enjoy the second performance in the BBC’s Radio 3 Summer Invitation Series, with doors opening from 6.30pm.
Comedy fans will also be heading to the Limelight on Ormeau Avenue for Irish comedian Dylan Moran’s gig as part of his A Work In Progress Wander tour.
In sport meanwhile, the NIFL Premiership kicks off tonight at The Oval in east Belfast as Glentoran host Crusaders at Mersey Street.
Are any city centre businesses closed?
Despite social media rumours, the PSNI confirmed it is aware of “misinformation circulating on social media regarding advice to employers in Belfast city centre on Friday”.
So far no significant city centre employers have publicly said they are closing their business as a result of the scheduled protests taking place later.
Queen’s University Belfast has however decided to close the campus today.
In a statement released on social media, the education establishment’s president and vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said the university would be closed as a precautionary measure “to ensure staff and students travelling to campus are not put at any risk”.
He also made a direct appeal to young people, advising them not to take part in any disorder or violence should they be putting their future careers at risk.
“At Queen’s, we abhor violence and condemn without reservation islamophobia, racism and xenophobia in all forms,” he said.
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“As a university community, we are committed to diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging, and to our campus being a safe, secure environment for all staff and students.
“I urge young people who might become involved in violence to understand that the biggest threat to your future prospects does not come from people fleeing persecution in other parts of the world, or from committed international staff who underpin the Health Service, or from families, like yours, who wish to live in peace and contribute to society here.”