Council Sparks Outrage by Calling VE Day Parade ‘Too Elitist’

[Social Media]

 

Council Sparks Outrage by Calling VE Day Parade ‘Too Elitist’

 

Plans to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Dacorum have ignited public backlash after the local council rejected a military parade, calling it “too elitist.” Instead, the Liberal Democrat-led Dacorum Borough Council in Hertfordshire has encouraged residents to organise their own street parties to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe on May 8.

 

This decision stands in sharp contrast to last year’s lavish “50 Fest” organised by the same council to celebrate its own 50th anniversary, which featured a full-scale public parade in Hemel Hempstead. Now, with the country preparing for national commemorations—including a Westminster Abbey thanksgiving service attended by the Royal Family and veterans, and a London flypast—Dacorum’s refusal to host an official event has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum.

 

 

Speaking at a council meeting on April 2, Caroline Smith-Wright explained the reasoning behind the decision: “We have decided at this point to enable communities to come together and have street parties and I think that is for the community, that is for everyone, that encompasses everybody – it doesn’t just leave the elite and people to just, kind of, parade. This is about normal people celebrating in their communities, bringing people together, sharing food, sitting at a table, celebrating and I think that’s a fine way to celebrate VE Day.”

 

However, many councillors and residents felt the council had completely misjudged the importance of the occasion. Conservative councillor Graeme Elliot voiced his dismay: “I’m very dismayed about the lack of celebrations. My father fought in that war. I had an uncle who died in the Battle of France. That was the golden generation. So you think 50 years of a council is far more important than the men and women who gave their lives?”

 

Labour councillor Pete Hannell echoed those sentiments and urged the council to rethink its decision in order to properly honour those who served. “My children and grandchildren are facing a war in Europe now where the aggressor is being appeased in the way that Chamberlain was arguably appeasing Hitler in 1938,” he said, drawing a parallel with modern conflicts.

 

 

Independent councillor Jan Maddern also weighed in with disappointment, highlighting how the Covid pandemic had already disrupted previous plans for the 75th anniversary of VE Day. “I’m quite dismayed by this as well,” she said. “We missed in effect the 75th anniversary of VE Day because we were in Covid. I can remember having street parties where we all sat on our drives in my cul-de-sac, safe distancing from everyone else. I think we should do better.”

 

She also noted that the council had previously provided party decorations for the last Royal wedding, yet offered nothing for the VE Day anniversary.

In response to the criticism, Smith-Wright maintained that the council was still enabling commemorations through community events. “I do appreciate and understand everyone’s strong feelings. As far as street parties go, we invite residents to sign up to have their road closed – that’s an immense expense. It costs thousands to shut a road for a street party, it’s free currently.”

 

The Liberal Democrats, who took control of Dacorum Borough Council last May, have faced internal upheaval in recent months. Allegations of misogyny and bullying led to the resignation of two council leaders, and eight female councillors left the party to sit as independents, leaving the council without overall control.

 

Based on a report by The Telegraph  2025-04-10

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

My own observation is VE Day in the UK is gradually turning into an excuse for Cosplay.

 

 

[JonnyF]

They'll probably change it to Refugee Day. 

[Chomper Higgot]

30 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

They'll probably change it to Refugee Day. 

There really is no hope for you Jonny.

[JonnyF]

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

There really is no hope for you Jonny.

 

I'm fine, I already left the dump.