What was supposed to be just another Saturday afternoon at a local pub turned into a disturbing headline across Greater Manchester.
Without warning, a group of extremists turned the Duke of Edinburgh pub in Oldham into the backdrop for a sickening celebration of Adolf Hitler’s birthday.
The gathering, organized by the fringe neo-Nazi group British Movement, left the community stunned and angry.
Flags, Cakes, and Disturbing Displays
According to reports, about eight men and one woman from the North West branch of the British Movement showed up with Nazi flags, symbols, and even a swastika-covered birthday cake.
They brazenly decorated their table and posed for photos, later bragging on social media about their so-called “celebration.”
One post even described the event as a cheerful reunion filled with “warm laughter” as they honored “Uncle A,” a chilling reference to Hitler.
The Pub’s Response: Shock and Swift Action
Staff at the Duke of Edinburgh say they had no idea what was unfolding that afternoon.
Jean Anderson, who is preparing to take over running the pub, shared that the group had simply booked a table like any other party, mentioning a birthday cake but hiding their real intentions.
“They sat quietly in a corner. We didn’t see the flags or the cake until photos surfaced online,” she said.
The pub immediately contacted the police once the truth came to light and made it clear that these individuals would never be welcome again.
Disturbing Details Revealed Online
While the group’s website tried to blur the faces of those involved, footage obtained by the Manchester Evening News clearly showed the participants.
In one image, three men held a flag featuring swastikas, SS bolts, and the Iron Cross, alongside a digitally inserted photo of Hitler.
Another image showed five individuals posing behind a British Movement flag.
Videos captured them unfurling their banners for photos before quickly hiding them away again.
One man even appeared to perform a Nazi salute while wearing a German football shirt with “Fuhrer 44” printed on the back.
Authorities and Communities React
The incident has sparked fierce condemnation.
MP Jim McMahon, who represents Oldham West, Chadderton, and Royton, called the gathering a “disgraceful insult” to the memory of the nearly 100 local men who fought and died against Nazi tyranny.
He emphasized that glorifying hateful ideologies must never be tolerated in the community.
Hope Not Hate, an anti-fascism campaign group, also spoke out strongly.
Senior researcher David Lawrence described the British Movement as “repulsive even by the standards of the far right,” labeling them a tiny, fringe group of Hitler-obsessed extremists trying—and failing—to regain relevance.
Pub Chain Issues Firm Statement
Craft Union Pubs, which oversees the Duke of Edinburgh, made its stance crystal clear.
In a statement, they said, “We are absolutely appalled at what took place.
“These individuals actively hid their clothing and activities from our team.
“We support inclusivity and unity, and these people are not welcome in any of our venues.”
They also added that they are providing support to their staff, who were deeply upset by the incident.
Police Investigation Underway
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are investigating the matter after receiving a report that individuals brought Nazi memorabilia into the pub.
They are asking anyone with information or who was affected to come forward by calling 101 and quoting log 784 of 24/4/25.
Investigators are working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the event.
What’s Next?
The community remains shaken but determined to stand firm against hate.
As investigations continue, many are calling for stronger measures to combat the rise of extremist groups, however fringe they may be.
Meanwhile, pubs and public spaces across the region are reviewing how they can better protect themselves from being used as a platform for hate.
One thing is clear: Oldham has made it known that it stands against hatred, and the actions of a few will not define the community’s spirit.