NO PARTY AT THE MAPLE LEAF PUB THIS YEAR!

this was emailed to me by Network Canada (UK)

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As many of you know, there has been a tradition of Canadians gathering together on Maiden Lane (outside the Maple Leaf in Covent Garden) to celebrate Canada Day. This event has grown over the years to be one of the largest Canadian celebrations in Europe. This year however, due to a variety of factors, we are warning our membership to stay away from maiden Lane on 01 July for their own safety .

The Following is a press release from The Metropolitan Police:

"The Canada Day street party, that has traditionally occurred outside The Maple Leaf Public House, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, has been cancelled due to concerns over public safety. This year the event coincides with World Cup Football and Euro-Pride and the expected crowds are too large to be accommodated in Maiden Lane. A police operation will be in place to ensure public safety is not compromised. Maiden Lane will not be closed to those passing through, but police will be enforcing the Westminster City Council bye law relating to preventing alcohol consumption in public places. The Maple Leaf is operating a strict ticket only policy. If you wish to celebrate Canada Day then we would encourage you to come to the organised event in Trafalgar Square and Canada House on 30/06/2006 which starts at 2pm, where you will be able to watch a number of different cultural events."

I have spoken with Philip Ryan. He is the Metropolitan Police Officer in charge of policing Maiden Lane on July 1st this year. He followed up the conversation with the following:

>>Dear David,
The above has been approved by our press office. If you could circulate it to your members I am sure it will assist us in reducing the number of people attending Covent Garden expecting a Street Party.We don't wish to be damp sqibs but we cannot organise these type of events they need a sponsor and no one was prepared to step into the breach. Next year maybe we can put pressure on the powers that be at an earlier stage and have a proper party.

Best regards

Phil <<

While the pubs will be open on Maiden Lane, the Maple Leaf will be hosting a strictly ticketed event. Considering the capacity of the pubs on the street in comparison to the attendance of last year's party (well into the thousands) we would recommend to our members to avoid the area entirely.

We are all disappointed with the cancellation of the party, this is due to the fact that no businesses stepped forward to take ownership of the event. We would have tried our best to get the parties involved if we had known about it earlier. Hopefully, we all in the Canadian community in London, can make it clear to the parties involved that we want Canada Day on Maiden Lane reestablished for next year.


Sincerely,

Dave Mathews
President, Network Canada
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Thats a real shame. I had a blast at the Canada Day party last year. don't know what to do saturday now

Lets all meet in Hyde Park instead!

Go anyways! People go there every year without even checking about it's status. it's just an assumed thing that it'll be on. So that means that plenty of people will be rocking up in their gear expecting a party and I'm not sure how a few police officers will be able to stop it.

Worst thing that will happen is that they move it all along somehow and we can all head to some other place en masse and have a party there!

See you down there!

That bites. We'll see what happens. If anyone hears of anything then please post.

Is anyone here going down on Friday evening?

Hi,
I've been here over a year and have a met a total of three fellow Canadians.not quality?

I want to change that though.

Anyone going to Trafalgar Square Friday night?

If so, anyone keen to meet up?

So what's the plan for Saturday, then?

Hyde Park, or meet and loiter in Maiden Lane until we reach enough mass to move en masse to another area?

That sucks - I was hoping to go this year - I'm getting somes friends togethr (although I am the only canuck) we were going to watch the football and then celebrate Canada Day -

I am totally up for Hyde park.If others are going - let me know time and more specific place.

I'm doing the same thing. Invited loads of Brits.

I'm planning to see whats going on in Covent Garden anyway. See if there is anyone around and then maybe go to Hyde Park. Look for people with flags. My group'll have 2!

We're going to have a do at the Railway Tavern in Fishponds in Bristol starting at noon, now that we can't party in London!

Bring your flag.I'll have mine so you can find me!

If you need more info, PM me!

Wow, that "Canada Day event" was commercialized garbage. Companies with things to sell, and provincial governments trying to outhawk each other for European tourism dollars. I took a day off work for that/!?

How lame.

Greatly looking forward to the Hyde Park event tomorrow. Will never visit the Maple Leaf again!