Vast crowds of black-clad demonstrators thronged Hong Kong on Sunday in the largest anti-government protests since local elections last month that boosted the pro-democracy movement seeking to curb controls by China.

It was the first time since August that the Civil Human Rights Front — organiser of million-strong marches earlier in the year that paralysed the Asian finance centre — had received authorities’ permission for a rally.

It estimated a turnout of 800,000 while police said 183,000.

Chants of “Fight for freedom! Stand with Hong Kong!” echoed as demonstrators, from students to professionals and the elderly, marched from Victoria Park in the bustling shopping district towards the financial area.

As dark fell, some protesters spray-painted anti-Beijing grafitti on a Bank of China building. Riot police stood on guard, restrained as protesters yelled “dogs” and “cockroaches.”

“It’s Christmas time soon but we’re not in the mood to celebrate anymore,” said Lawrence, a 23-year-old student.

He held a poster saying “My 2020 wish is universal suffrage”, a reference to demands for an open vote on the city leader, currently the unpopular Beijing-backed Carrie Lam.

Chants of “five demands, not one less” rang out, referring to demands ranging from Lam’s resignation to an amnesty for detainees.

“I will fight for freedom until I die because I am a Hong Konger,” said June, a 40-year-old mother dressed in black and seated on the grass in Victoria Park.

The police said they arrested another 11 people, aged 20 to 63, confiscating weapons including army knives, firecrackers, bullets and a semi-automatic pistol, the first seizure of a handgun during the protests.

There was no comment on Sunday from Hong Kong’s government, though the day before it pledged to “humbly” listen and accept criticism. The new police boss promised a flexible approach to protests, with “both the hard and soft approach”.

Since June, Hong Kong has seen more than 900 demonstrations, processions and public meetings, many ending in violent confrontations. Nearly 6,000 people have been arrested.