About 18months ago, I was with the little un (now the middle un) on a trip to the coast.
It was just us two.

As we pulled into South Shields on the Metro, I suddenly remembered about an EDL demo that was about to start.
It was quite raucous on the platform and surrounding streets, so a quick change of plan saw us scoot down towards the ferry landing and head over the river.

Lots of police, lots of EDL members with shoppers, me and my (then) 2 year old mingling amongst them.

I didn't feel threatened or uncomfortable, but was concious of the little one being caught in the middle of something.