An anti-shopping event was being staged in the heart of Broadmead today.

Buy Nothing Day is held every year on November 28 to highlight the ethical and environmental consequences of shopping.

Details of the event were being promoted by Earth First, which describes itself as a non-hierarchical organisation dedicated to the use of direct action "to confront, stop and eventually reverse the forces that are responsible for the destruction of the Earth".

The group plans to set up a "free shop" at the Podium in Broadmead today, where people can take things away for free.

But police have been put on alert after another group advertised a rival event alongside the Buy Nothing Day event on Earth First's website, dubbed "Steal Something Day".

The rival group said: "Instead of downplaying or ignoring the capitalists, small business tyrants, bosses, corporate bureaucrats and politicians who are primarily responsible for misery and exploitation in this world, Steal Something Day demands that we steal from them, without discrimination."

Richard Belt, director of Cabot Circus, said: "We were aware of what was planned, so we informed all the retailers of the situation and it will be business as usual, as far as we are concerned."

John Hirst, operations director for Destination Bristol, who has responsibility for the Broadmead area, said: "These people just want to make a statement and discourage people from buying goods here, while we want them to come and have a good shopping experience."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said: "Offenders will be arrested and prosecuted."