The right wing party held its annual summer rally on land owned by member Alan Warner on Codnor Denby Lane for the second year running on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

More than 500 people took part in an organised march from Codnor on Saturday protesting against the event however a group of about 40 people attempted to disrupt the festival and clashed with police.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Police said: "The majority of the arrests were made after two incidents which were not connected with the main protest and march through Codnor.

"The first incident was on Breach Road, Denby, at about 11am, when a group of about 40 protesters tried to barricade the road to stop access. When police arrived stones were thrown at the officers who made six arrests for violent disorder.

"The rest of the protesters dispersed over the fields and at about noon confronted police on Kensington Avenue at Heanor where further disorder occurred.

"Twenty of the arrests were made for offences including violent disorder and breach of bail. On several occasions stones and other missiles were thrown at officers but nobody was seriously injured."

Roads were closed while about 500 protesters with banners saying 'Stop the Fascist BNP' and 'Jobs and Homes not Racism,' marched from Codnor Market Place to the junction with Codnor Denby Lane.

About 150 police escorted trade union members along with Notts Stop the BNP and Unite Against Facism groups.

Protesters tried on a number of occasions to surge through police lines as a party of 30 delegates continued to march down towards the event site but police controlled the situation.

Acting Chief Constable Peter Goodman, who was in charge of the policing operation, said: "A small number of people who were not part of the main group seemed intent on causing problems.

"Officers responded quickly and effectively to minimise inconvenience to local people and those attending the event.

"I acknowledge there were delays for road users travelling between Codnor and Loscoe but the illegal actions of the protesters who blocked the road made those delays inevitable.

"I think our actions today have shown that we will not tolerate disorder of any kind in Derbyshire. We will be continuing our enquiries to identify and trace those people who committed offences but were not arrested today."

Becky Williams, from Notts Stop the BNP, said: "The BNP has chosen for another year to hold the festival in an area where it is not wanted. The people who live in this area are intimidated by the narrow views of the party, they don't represent the views of the majority of the people. It isn't what they want for their families."

Mark Longden, from Unite Against Fascism, said: "The views of the BNP are not credible, they encourage racism and hate and stand for fascist values. It's not right they have been allowed to get a base anywhere which attributes them credibility."

Labour MP for Amber Valley Judy Mallaber said she agreed with the group's right to a peaceful protest.

On Friday British National Party leader Nick Griffin told The News that the party was grateful for the support of people in the local area that enabled them to stage the event.

Mr Griffin said: "We're very grateful top Alan for letting us hold the event here. We're looking at a number of sites potentially for next year and haven't decided where we want to go but this is a very central location, very convenient , the local people are very supportive and helpful so we may be back, we'll see.

"The Labour party and its supporters are quite entitled to demonstrate and we are entitled to be here with our families enjoying ourselves as well."