This Sunday, an estimated five hundred Falmouth and Penryn residents joined together in solidarity to kneel for nine minutes in memory of George Floyd and combat systemic racism around the world.

The BLM protest was held in Kimberley Park with strict guidelines to socially distance, organisers handed out masks to those that didn't have one and wardens helped protesters with safe entry and exit.

It was confirmed by the organiser of the event, Misri Day, that Falmouth police were aware and supportive of the protest.

In the time since the protest occurred many residents have taken to social media to share their criticism of the event, the main one being that social distancing is more important than protesting right now.

One resident said the event was a "pointless exercise" while another resident stated, "totally agree with the cause, but it is a mass gathering and isn't allowed."

Many discussions have been carried out between the two sides of the argument.

"Well done everyone, you certainly got your message out there and evoked emotions and discussions. It's shameful that this HAS to take place at all in this world today but you did it beautifully," said someone in favour of the protest.

"So glad to see you doing this peacefully unlike many towns and cities," another person wrote.

Last week one of Truro's BLM protests was cancelled after it gained major criticism from the city over fears people wouldn't follow social distancing.

More protesters joined in over Cornwall at the same time, with 50 people kneeling at Mousehole, protesters taking to the streets in Camborne and Redruth, as well as Truro protest still managing to go ahead.

The social distancing rules which were in place for Falmouth's protest are as follows:

1) Travel to the protest in the open air, for example; walking, cycling, do not travel via public transport.

2) At the protest make sure you adhere to 2m social distancing, everyone must wear a mask and all should refrain from touching anyone.

3) Upon returning home, put all your clothes in the washing machine and take a shower, particularly important if you live with anyone considered vulnerable.

You can watch our live stream of the event here.