Leicester Unite Against Fascism have applied to carry out a protest to a march proposed by the English Defence League.
The group plan to stage the march on 4 February, which is when the EDL will be visitingLeicesterto campaign against terrorism.
The two applications are currently being considered by City mayor Sir Peter Soulby, as well as police officers.
Both protests could draw hundred to thousands of people into the city centre.
A spokesman for Leicester UAF told reporters that they are hoping local musicians would perform on stage at the end of their march.
He said, “We want people to be able to show they are not scared to come to their city centre on that day.
“We are looking to create a peaceful and safe way for people to demonstrate their opposition to the EDL.”
Sir Peter said that both he and the police are in early negotiations with both groups. He said, “The most powerful message we can give to the EDL is, as far as practical, that this day is going to be business as usual.
“The details of the groups’ proposals are still being worked out, but as soon as it becomes clear we will let people know our response.”
The Leicestershire Federation of Muslim Organisations are urging people not to try to counter attack the EDL, particularly in a physical manner.
Its spokesman, Suleman Nagdi, said “Our message will be the same as last time. We are urging people, particularly the young, to refrain from going into the city centre to oppose the English Defence League out of some misguided idea that they are protecting their city.
“We are best to leave everything to the experts – in this case the police.”
The EDL last demonstrated in the city on 9 October 2010, where protesters threw bottles, bricks and smoke bombs at the police.
