GREAT YARMOUTH is hosting one of the largest neonazi festivals in a decade this weekend, according to an investigation by Hope Not Hate.

More than 26,000 people have emailed the Home Office demanding the government block overseas bands from entering the country and stop the festival from going ahead.

Hope Not Hate reports that about 500 neonazis are set to attend the festival on September 5 and 6, paying £72 a ticket.

The group says that an undisclosed venue was booked by Rob Claymore, a guitarist in skinhead band Crucified and Robert Bray from fascist group Blood & Honour.

Among the bands reported to be performing are German white-power band Combat BC and US band Wellington Arms, which was formed by veteran Nazi Eric Scott.

The organisers claim that it is a “non-political” concert. 

However, Hope Not Hate says most attendees are supporters of Blood & Honour, whose leader Robert Talland was found guilty in June of racial hatred and terrorism offences by creating, performing and distributing neonazi music.

British bands Pressure 28 and Last Orders, whose members are linked to neonazi group Combat 18, are also due to perform, as well as London Breed.

Stand Up to Racism co-chair Kevin Courtney said the event is a “sign of the growing confidence of the fascist and Nazi right” who are also behind many of the asylum hotel protests.

He said it is vital to continue to oppose them and added that the Home Office should question why it is clamping down on peaceful Palestine Action supporters but “not taking steps against preachers of race hatred coming to the country in order to whip up a climate of fear.”

The Home Office was contacted for comment.