Hundreds of people have gathered outside the Forum in Norwich either to show support for - or protest - a story time event held by a drag queen.

Joseph Ballard, who is from North Walsham and performs as 'Auntie' Titania Trust, has been targeted by people who do not think it is right for drag queens to interact with children.

The event began at 1.30pm.

LGBQT+ allies began gathering for a peaceful protest outside the venue from around 12.50pm.

A matter of metres away were people protesting the event - including those bearing 'Patriotic Alternative' (PA) flags.

PA is a far-right group of activists which claims to have reach in every part of the UK.

Fern Felix organised the rally to support the drag queen's event and said: "I put together the poster after seeing the North Walsham event cancelled.

North Norfolk News: Two members of the protest supporting the LGBTQ+ community arguing with a rival protest group outside the Forum in NorwichTwo members of the protest supporting the LGBTQ+ community arguing with a rival protest group outside the Forum in Norwich (Image: Archant)

"It's vital the LGBTQ+ community is not removed from the public eye.

"We are people's families, friends, partners and parents."

The 34-year-old from NR2 added: "There's a massive turn out of love and support for Titania.

"Norwich is proving that it doesn't stand for hate.

North Norfolk News: Members of the protest supporting the LGBTQ+ community arguing with a rival protest group outside the Forum in NorwichMembers of the protest supporting the LGBTQ+ community arguing with a rival protest group outside the Forum in Norwich (Image: Archant)

"We stand for inclusivity and allowing everyone the freedom to be themselves."

Aviva employee Sian Davies, 30, said: "I think the support is amazing.

"I'm here with my son for story time. It's incredible - it's so nice to show people Norwich is really inclusive."

North Norfolk News: Rival protesters outside the drag queen storytime at the Forum in NorwichRival protesters outside the drag queen storytime at the Forum in Norwich (Image: Archant)

The NR3 mum to one-year-old Dillon, added: "We're not going to let people disrupt events like this which are completely harmless and for children.

"I was so upset they cancelled the North Walsham event - it's awful it happened because of the actions of a few narrow-minded people."

Protestors against the event claimed they were "protecting the minds" of children.

Another of 'Auntie' Titania Trust's events was cancelled earlier this summer due to protests outside North Walsham Library.