What is the Land Forces expo and why are people protesting against it?

Melbourne has played host to chaotic scenes with thousands of anti-war demonstrators causing major disruptions as they protested against the Land Forces defence expo.

The protest, which is planned to run for a week from September 8-14, has attracted a massive police response and led to clashes between authorities and ralliers.

So why is the protest taking place? This is what we know.

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Why are the Melbourne protests happening?

The protests are against the Land Forces expo, which demonstrators claim is a "one-stop genocide shop" due to the weapons displays and sales at the event.

In essence, they're anti-war protests, although there's a slew of various causes involved.

"We unequivocally oppose the glorification of death, destruction, and genocide being carried out with weapons developed on this continent and showcased at Land Forces," an open letter from the protesters read.

Protesters are also railing against the climate impacts of modern-day weapons and militaries, and many of the groups involved are pro-Palestine advocates.

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What is the Land Forces expo?

Land Forces is a biennial military event that bills itself as "the premier gateway to the land defence markets of Australia and the region" – essentially a sales expo for weapons manufacturers and the chance to show off the latest technology.

It was previously held in Brisbane, but was moved to Melbourne following protests in 2022.

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Who are the protesters?

The protests have been organised by Disrupt Land Forces – a collection of various groups including Extinction Rebellion Victoria, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network and Wage Peace - Disrupt War.

The collective has said "all are welcome to join" their protests.

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Inside the weapons expo that sparked unrest in Melbourne

Where is the expo and protests?

Land Forces is being held at the Melbourne Convention Centre, near the city centre.

That's where much of the protest action has taken place, although disruptions have also spilled into surrounding streets.

What's happened during the protests and what has the police response been?

The protests really kicked off on Wednesday morning, when about 1200 demonstrators gathered around the Convention Centre.

Estimates range as high as 3000 people, but were far short of the 25,000 organisers had called for.

Victoria Police had deployed extra personnel, and clashes broke out between protesters and authorities.

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According to police, officers were "pelted with missiles including bottles filled with liquid, rocks, and horse manure whilst trying to protect the attendees of the Land Forces expo, some of whom were also assaulted by protesters".

There were also reports of police being spat at, while authorities used rubber bullets and capsicum spray on the protesters.

As of midday on Wednesday, police say 24 officers required medical treatment, and dozens of people were arrested for offences including assault, obstructing and hindering police, arson and blocking roadways.

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When will the protests end?

The protests on Wednesday morning had largely de-escalated by mid-afternoon, but more action is scheduled for the rest of the week.

A march down Bourke Street is scheduled for Thursday afternoon and a vigil for Gaza later that evening in Woodside Park, wtih further events planned for Friday and Saturday.