Hundreds of hunting supporters defied opposition from Chris Packham and the local council in Tiverton to gather for the annual Boxing Day meet – despite being told they are “not welcome”.

The television presenter had branded the event “ethically and morally bankrupt” as he urged councillors in the Devon town to vote against the historic meet earlier this month.

Though the event went ahead despite Tiverton Town Council voting to back a motion declaring: “The hunt meet is not welcome in Tiverton on Boxing Day,or any other day.”

Hundreds turned out to support the Tiverton Foxhounds, who have met on Boxing Day outside the Half Moon pub in the town square for around 200 years.

Addressing the crowd from horseback on Friday,Kelvin Thomas,of Tiverton Foxhounds,vowed to meet again next year and told Mr Packham to stay out of rural affairs.

He said: “He’s been vrey,very vocal about joining the lobby who are not going to welcome us here today. So, despite the fact several of his bosses at the BBC have already jumped over the side, hopefully he won’t be to far behind.

“Better if he just left rural issues to us and he got on with his job and the urban Government got on with theirs, we’d all get along, no issue. Apparently we’re not welcome and you’re not welcome – but nice to see you anyway.”

Hunt Supporters Rally, Vow to Fight New Ban

Thousands of hunt supporters gathered near Badminton, Gloucestershire, on Friday to demonstrate their opposition to a potential government ban on trail hunting. Will Bryer, joint master of the Duke of Beaufort Hunt, declared the countryside “under assault and siege,” suggesting the government faces a notable challenge if it moves forward with the ban.

Addressing the large crowd, Bryer questioned the timing of the government’s announcement. “I just wonder whether our government would have made that announcement had they predicted a turnout like this,” he said. He pointed out the irony of the announcement coinciding with a reaffirmation of hunting traditions.

Bryer directly engaged the audience, asking them why they attended the event. “Was it because you believe in a connection to the land and to your farmers? Was it because you believe in preserving British cultural heritage? Was it because you believe in hunting?” he asked, emphasizing the diverse motivations behind their support.

He acknowledged the coming struggle, stating, “We’re under assault, we’re under siege and like all fights it’s going to get messy. But we must, we must stand united.” bryer concluded with a rallying cry, referencing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” asserting that “hunting has a future, hunting will endure.”