The Scoop

Republican "Not the Royal Wedding" street party banned by Camden Council

Adam Bienkov | Monday 11 April, 2011 11:54

Camden Council have refused permission for a republican street party to be held on the day of the Royal wedding.

An initial application by lobbying group Republic to hold a party on Earlham Street, Covent Garden was approved by the council.

However permission was later withdrawn citing worries about disorder and concerns from some local businesses that it would “directly contradict the Royal Wedding theme in terms of their merchandise.”

In correspondence with Republic, the council justified their decision by claiming that the event would not “draw the community together.”

Camden do not consider this event to be a community festival/party. The purpose of such is to draw the community together in an act of celebration/oneness. It is very likely that this event is not, or would not be, supported by the majority of the community, indeed it does not serve to engage the community in any way. We do accept that organisations outside of the borough become involved in community events, however they are organising such events which benefit the residents/community both during and following such an occasion. We cannot see how such an event as this falls within this category.

A spokesperson for Republic said today:

This is a disgraceful attack on the rights of republicans to make their voice heard and to hold a fun and peaceful event. Camden Council is allowing a few vocal residents and businesses to veto any event in central London they do not support. Our street party is designed to be a peaceful, fun, family event with food, music and stalls. We can only assume this is a politically motivated ban and we will challenge it all the way.

A spokesperson for Camden Council told The Scoop

Taking into consideration the feeling of the local community the council have decided to refuse the application and Earlham Street will not be closed on 29 April 2011.

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