"Anzac Day is not for sale": Veterans slam Anzac Day rock festival
Military veteran organisations in New South Wales have expressed their fury after a controversial rock concert booked at the Domain on Anzac Day was approved.
The Pandemonium 2024 rock music festival which includes performers like Placebo, Alice Cooper and Blondie is scheduled around around 11.30am on the 25th of April, just 900 metres from where the traditional march by veterans will be.
The veteran groups are concerned that the first performances will clash with the memorial march that is set to end at 12:30pm.
RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge has called out the event organisers for the inappropriate timing of the festival.
"We all love to have fun and live music is fantastic for Sydney, but Anzac Day is not the day for a music festival," he said.
"Anzac Day is a day to think of the sacrifices made by the approximately 120,000 people from NSW who served overseas during World War I, as well as all who have served since.
"It is a day for respect and quiet contemplation."
Despite reports claiming that the organisers of Pandemonium 2024 have offered to direct a portion of ticket sales to veteran charities, the veteran groups have declared that Anzac Day is "not for sale".
"Anzac Day is not for sale," Bainbridge said
Although the RSL NSW president said that he understood the value of music for younger people, it shouldn't compromise the day of honour and respect.
"If the organiser sincerely wants to support veterans' wellbeing, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss how they can donate to organisations, including RSL NSW and RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to do so – without compromising a day of honour and respect."
"I love live music and the community it builds. But it has to be at the right time," he added.
"We've seen through the Royal Commission's hearings how important it is to protect and honour our community of veterans, and build opportunities to support each other, not tear them down."
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