No charges over alleged celebration of Hitler's birthday at Oldham pub

No criminal charges will be brought against individuals who gathered at an Oldham pub to allegedly celebrate Hitler's birthday, police have confirmed. The investigation into the far-right gathering at the Duke of Edinburgh in Royton last April found insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.

Nine people were arrested on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences after images circulated online showing a swastika-decorated cake and people holding flags. Greater Manchester Police said they sought early advice from the Crown Prosecution Service but determined there was not enough evidence to submit a file.

The investigation led to police raids across five areas including Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford, Stockport, and Southport, where officers recovered imitation firearms, weapons including swords and a crossbow, and Nazi memorabilia. A suspected grenade found in Bolton required deployment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.

MP Jim McMahon condemned the event as 'an affront to those from the borough who gave their lives to fight the Nazis' and said there is 'no place in our community for an ideology being glorified that was responsible for the deaths of millions.' The pub's owner, Craft Union Pubs, stated staff were unaware of the gathering's nature as members concealed their clothing and activities.