D-Day pop concert plans prompt outrage among veterans

A D-Day anniversary pop concert due to be held on Sword Beach in Normandy has angered war veterans and their families.

Up to 75,000 people are expected at the event, planned for June 6 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

But the date and location of the concert, which will coincide with ceremonies attended by the dwindling group of elderly D-Day veterans, has prompted disbelief. A petition launched this week has already attracted more than 500 signatures.

Danny Greeno, chief executive of The Veterans Charity, said: “I’ve spoken to people who are outraged, spitting blood, at the idea of a pop concert on this beach on D-Day.

“We’re all for using music to educate people and involve the younger generation but the date and location of this are in very poor taste.

“It’s got to be respectful. Why celebrate the start of a huge battle that cost lives? They wouldn’t dream of having a celebration on Armistice Day so why do it on D-Day?”

Several D-Day veterans, the eldest of whom would be 99, are hoping to travel to Normandy for the anniversary.

Those helping to facilitate their travel warned that they would be staying “within spitting distance” of the beach and may well be disturbed by the sheer volume of people and the noise.

Oner said: “It’s the families who are upset. One said ‘my grandad fought there, died there, and now they want to have a concert with people jumping up and down there.’

“It’s wrong on every level.”

The Dutch organisers of the concert have insisted that it will be respectful and not-for-profit, with any proceeds ploughed back to veterans charities.

In a statement posted online, they said it was intended to “inform and involve” millennials and that only artists with a “fitting message” and style would be included. They also insisted that no one died on the area of the beach where the concert will take place.

“We’re very much aware that a meaningless, non-informative dance-party wouldn’t be respectful and we absolutely aim for the contrary,” they said.