A CONTROVERSIAL BNP festival could be coming to the Maldon district.

The three-day Red, White and Blue Festival has previously been held in Codnor, Denby, Derbyshire, but a spokesman for the British National Party confirmed they were considering moving it to Essex and possibly an un-named site in the district in August.

The festival has attracted problems in the past, including clashes last year between riot police and anti-BNP protestor, so organisers are looking at alternative arrangements.

Simon Darby, press officer for the BNP said: “There is a site in Essex where we might be having the festival, a site in your area which we have a lot of interest in.

“It is looking like a very interesting region for us politically.”

Mr Darby also confirmed that party chairman Nick Griffin is a fan of the countryside in the district.

Rumours that Mr Griffin may be coming to the Maldon district on St George’s Day - April 23 - could not be confirmed.

Mr Darby told the Standard that Mr Griffin currently plans to be at an event in West Bromwich for St George’s Day but that it is not impossible that he will also come to visit party supporters in the district.