Story Highlight
– Upton Remembrance Sunday parade cancelled due to safety concerns.
– Critics blame bureaucracy for overshadowing veterans’ sacrifices.
– Health fears linked to Liverpool FC car-ramming attack.
– Local veterans express outrage over decision to cancel.
– Alternative remembrance services planned across Wirral on 9 November.
Full Story
The annual Remembrance Sunday parade in Upton, a deeply rooted tradition since World War I, is set to be cancelled due to safety concerns arising from a tragic incident during a Liverpool FC victory celebration. The decision, announced on 25 October 2025, has sparked significant anger among local veterans and the community, with many denouncing the bureaucratic processes that they believe undermine the sacrifices made by soldiers in both world wars.
The Upton Remembrance parade has long been a cherished occasion, typically attracting a crowd of around 1,000 attendees. However, following the distressing events of 26 May 2025, when a vehicle collided with spectators during the Liverpool FC parade, authorities have implemented stricter health and safety regulations. This tragic incident left over 130 people injured and has since raised alarms regarding large public gatherings.
In light of these developments, the Wirral Council has mandated that the local Royal British Legion branch conduct a risk assessment and secure public liability insurance. Unfortunately, this four-member branch, which lacks both the financial resources and expertise needed, has been unable to comply with these demands. To further complicate matters, Merseyside Police have declined to manage traffic or provide escorts for the event, in accordance with guidance from the National Police Chiefs’ Council. A police representative stated that their responsibility does not extend to traffic management outside of emergencies, underscoring the ongoing tension between public safety and commemorative traditions.
A council official, summarising the situation, indicated a cautious stance saying, “If we sound a bit pedantic on this, just following incidents like the one at the Liverpool parade, we need to keep everyone safe.” This statement, however, has only intensified the frustration expressed by many in the community, including Wendy Meade, secretary of the Royal British Legion branch, who lamented that the managerial aspects of the parade were “out of our hands.” Consequently, the event has now been reduced to a solitary wreath-laying on 9 November 2025.
The cancellation has prompted strong rebukes from several veterans. Simon Weston, who served in the Falklands, commented on the absurdity of linking the safety measures at the Upton parade with those following the Liverpool incident, stating, “If they are making it based on Liverpool, that’s just wrong. They are two different areas.” Community sentiments reflect a deep sense of injustice, with some residents pointing out that Upton has held these remembrance events without issues for over a century. One local remarked in frustration, “Upton has held a Remembrance Day parade since the end of the First World War without any problem,” while another called for citizens to defy the cancellation, stating, “This is absolutely heartbreaking and disgusting, and most of all disrespectful.”
Public discourse surrounding the cancellation highlights a broader concern about community oversight, as Elena de la Quintaine noted on social media. She pointed out the council’s justification for their decision, stating, “Remembrance Sunday parade cancelled over ‘health & safety fears’… the council cited the car-ramming attack on the victory parade as a reason to be cautious.” Such comments illustrate an ongoing dialogue around the responsibilities of local authorities in balancing safety with honouring historical and communal traditions.
Amidst the turmoil regarding Upton’s parade, alternative remembrance services are still scheduled across Wirral on 9 November 2025. Locations such as Hamilton Square, Christ Church in Bebington, St Barnabas in Bromborough, and others will host ceremonies to honour the fallen. Meade has encouraged attendance at Hamilton Square, suggesting, “From the council’s point of view there is an alternative that you can go to Hamilton Square. There are several small ones and if people want to go to the memorial, they can do that but they just won’t have a service there.”
A spokesperson for the council expressed regret over the event’s cancellation, reaffirming their commitment to supporting community-led initiatives. “Wirral Council remains committed to supporting community-led events and regrets that the Upton parade could not proceed this year. We are confident that, had the necessary information been provided, we would have been able to assist in facilitating a safe and respectful event,” the spokesperson stated.
As Upton navigates the fallout from this cancellation, the community’s collective memory and desire to honour their veterans remain strong, reflecting the enduring significance of Remembrance Sunday within the fabric of local culture.
It is understandable that people feel upset, but public safety must come first. After a recent vehicle attack nearby it is reasonable for organisers to reassess risks and choose a safer option. Cancelled events can still honour the fallen through smaller, well managed gatherings or alternative commemorations that protect attendees while preserving respect and remembrance. Organisers should explain the decision clearly and involve veterans and community representatives in planning safe ways to observe in future.
It is deeply disappointing for the community and veterans that the parade has been cancelled, but safety must come first. After a recent attack nearby organisers and the council have a duty to assess the risk to participants and the public and to take proportionate steps to prevent harm. Instead of blaming those doing the safety checks, the focus should be on working together to find ways to remember safely, whether through smaller gatherings, increased stewarding and security measures, or alternative formats that preserve the service while reducing risk. Communities and authorities can and should consult veterans and organisers to reach solutions that honour the fallen without putting people in danger.
Safety must come first. With the recent attack it is reasonable for organisers to reassess risks to participants and spectators. That does not diminish respect for veterans or the importance of remembrance, but public events need clear mitigation so people are not put in harm’s way. Organisers could explain the specific concerns and work with veterans and the community to find a secure way to mark the occasion, whether by moving to a controlled venue, shortening the route, increasing stewards and security, or offering a commemorative alternative that allows safe participation.
Safety must come first. In the wake of a recent vehicle attack it is responsible to reassess risks to protect attendees particularly elderly veterans and families. Cancellation is regrettable but organisers have a duty to consider likelihood and impact of harm and to act on expert advice. The right course is to work quickly with authorities and the community to develop safe alternatives that honour service and remembrance without exposing people to unnecessary danger.