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The moment eurosceptics have spent years, if not decades, waiting for has almost arrived – the day Britain leaves the EU.
The landmark event has been delayed three times since the date was first set for March 29, 2019.
But after MPs backed Boris Johnson’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill last week, it is looking increasingly likely that Brexit will happen on January 31.
To mark the occasion, the UK’s most prominent Brexiteers plan to stage a ‘Happy Brexit Day’ celebration in Westminster.
Here’s everything we know so far about Leave Means Leave’s Brexit Celebration.
Where’s it happening?
The event will be held in Parliament Square, thanks to provisional approval from the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Nigel Farage tweeted that his lobbying group, Leave Means Leave, had been granted permission to hold the party, writing: “Great news!”
His Brexit Party chairman, Richard Tice, posted his own excited Twitter announcement, writing: “I am delighted to confirm that Leave Means Leave has secured approval from the authorities for the Brexit Day celebration in Parliament Sq on 31 Jan. We are still working on Big Ben and fireworks!”
A City Hall spokesman told the Standard: “GLA officials have given provisional authorisation for an event to take place on Parliament Square on January 31.”
What time is it taking place?
The event is currently due to run from 9pm till 11.15pm on January 31.
How many people are expected to attend?
More than 15,000 people have already registered their willingness to attend, according to Mr Farage, writing in The Telegraph.
This estimate seems credible, given seas of protesters marched through central London on the date Britain was originally scheduled to leave the EU.
On that day, two main pro-Brexit rallies gathered outside the Houses of Parliament – one consisting of mainstream politicians and the other headlined by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Heated clashes ensued between police and protesters leading to a number of arrests.
What can participants expect on the night?
Organisers will hope the only clangers will come from the chimes of Big Ben, with fewer scuffles and more festivities this time round.
Leave Means Leave have explicitly billed the night as a “celebration” so the hope is that it will be a joyous and festive affair, possibly featuring fireworks and definitely featuring speeches.
Big name speakers have taken to the stage at other Leave Means Leave events. Julia Hartley-Brewer, Mark Francois, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Mr Farage himself have all addressed the crowds at previous rallies so similar lineups are likely this time round.
The Brexit leader has called for Big Ben to ring out at 11pm, warning the country would look like a “joke” if the great bell fails to “mark this historic moment.”
