UK comes to a standstill
Premier League games off, Proms axed and even eco-activists halt protests out of respect as...
PREMIER League football matches and the Last Night of the Proms are among the sporting and cultural events cancelled out of respect for the late Queen – as even environmental protesters suspended planned disruptions.
As Britain came to a halt yesterday to remember Elizabeth II’s 70 years of service, attractions such as Legoland in Windsor, London Zoo, Kew Gardens and Historic Royal Palaces’ six sites, including the Tower of London, were closed out of respect.
Luxury food and fashion retailer Selfridges, which has a royal warrant to supply the Queen food and household goods, did not open its stores in Birmingham, Manchester and London. Liberty, Mulberry and French Connection were also closed.
The Government said there was no
‘No obligation to cancel events’
obligation for events or sporting fixtures to be cancelled, or for entertainment venues to be closed, during the period of national mourning which began yesterday.
But official guidance released by the Cabinet Office suggested organisations may wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the state funeral ‘as a mark of respect’.
Soon after the guidance was released, the Premier League announced all weekend fixtures would be cancelled, following the lead of the English Football League. All Welsh, Northern Irish and professional Scottish football was also postponed, along with England’s National League, FA Trophy and even grassroots fixtures as the national game paid its respects.
Premiership rugby fixtures will go ahead today – although yesterday’s two matches were postponed – while cricket will also resume at all levels.
Play was suspended for the day at golf’s BMW PGA Championship on Thursday, with no play yesterday. But the event will resume at Wentworth today. And horseracing, the Queen’s favourite sport, will return tomorrow after the British Horseracing Authority cancelled events on Thursday evening, yesterday and today.
The BBC announced that the Last Night Of The Proms has been cancelled as a mark of respect. The conclusion of the eight-week summer season of daily classical music concerts, which takes place predominantly in the Royal Albert Hall in central London, was due to conclude tonight.
Some questioned why the performances couldn’t go ahead as a celebration of the Queen’s life.
Journalist Russell Davies, who hosts Radio 4’s Brain of Britain quiz, tweeted that it was a ‘poor decision’, adding: ‘National mourning surely shouldn’t silence music.’ Extinction Rebellion, whose actions blocking roads have previously paralysed the capital, said its plan to illegally occupy Hyde Park this weekend was cancelled ‘until further notice’.
Its sister group Animal Rebellion said its plans were also on hold, while even anti-monarchy pressure group Republic said it would not campaign. The TUC Congress, due to be held in Brighton from tomorrow, was postponed.