UK 'Festival of Europe' planned as Boris Johnson pushes ahead with Brexit Festival plans

Plans are being drawn up for a Festival of Europe later this year – just days after the UK’s departure from the European Union.
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The event is scheduled to take place across the country on May 9 – Europe Day – when people across Britain will be invited to celebrate European culture in a number of different ways.

The plan is being put together by pro-EU group Stay European – and comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson presses ahead with his own ‘Festival Of Brexit’ plans which are set to take place in 2022.

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A spokesman for Stay European said: “What stood out is the need for a focal point – one that can be both a positive celebration of Europe and a way for pro-European campaigns to come together.

A Festival of Europe is planned in the UK for May 9.A Festival of Europe is planned in the UK for May 9.
A Festival of Europe is planned in the UK for May 9.

“The Festival of Europe won't be a demonstration, and it won't just be in one place either. It will be everything from picnics to performance, from campaign stalls to dancing in the streets. It will also be our answer to the so-called 'Festival of Brexit' plans by Boris Johnson's government.”

Meanwhile, the director of the event dubbed the 'festival of Brexit Britain' has claimed he will prove cynics wrong about the celebrations.

The nationwide event - expected to cost taxpayers £120 million - intends to bring the nation together by showcasing British creativity and bring "joy, hope and happiness".

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First announced by Theresa May, Boris Johnson's government has confirmed it is preparing to go ahead with the plans.

Martin Green, director of Festival 2022, said he wants to make it a celebration for all.

He told the Observer: "There is obviously a big narrative going on around healing and coming together.

"There is also no doubt that we have been through a particularly divisive time in the discourse of our daily lives, and as we go forward, let's see how the great creativity and ingenuity of the UK can help refind that common ground.

“We are probably due a bit of joy and hope and happiness and art is really good at that."