THE organisers of a 1940s-themed event on a popular steam railway are ‘disappointed’ after German military outfits were banned by Severn Valley Railway (SVR) due to ‘concerns’ from visitors.
The ‘Step Back to The 1940s’ event will return to the Severn Valley Railway on Saturday (July 4) and Sunday (July 5), after a successful first weekend on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, without German military re-enactors.
Military re-enactments will also not take place at the event.
According to the Severn Valley Railway Society, the decision to ban German military outfits and re-enactors from the event’s second weekend was not ‘taken lightly’ and follows ‘concerns from a number of visitors’.
The Severn Valley Railway Society say that the decision recognises that the Second World War, the Holocaust, and ‘associated symbolism’ remain ‘deeply sensitive subjects’ for many people.
A Severn Valley Railway Society spokesperson said: “Following the first weekend of our 1940s event, we received concerns from a number of visitors regarding the presence of German military re-enactors on the railway, including the display of period German military uniforms and insignia, and the circulation of individuals in German uniform amongst the general public outside of designated re-enactment activities.
“We have listened carefully to these concerns and have undertaken a thorough review with the event organisers.
“We explored options that would have allowed the scheduled re-enactments to continue whilst limiting the presence of German military portrayals to specific re-enactment locations and performances.
“Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach a workable agreement on these arrangements.
“As a result, military re-enactments will not take place during this weekend’s event, and there will be no German military re-enactors present on the Railway.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. We recognise that the events of the Second World War, the Holocaust and associated symbolism remain deeply sensitive subjects for many people.
“Our priority is to ensure that the Severn Valley Railway remains a welcoming, respectful, and enjoyable place for all visitors.”
The 1940s event will continue as planned; however, the event’s organising team have expressed their disappointment with the decision made by the Severn Valley Railway Society.
A spokesperson for the Step Back to the 1940s Event Team said: “The Step Back to the 1940s Event Team is disappointed and has been forced to accept the Society’s concerns.
“Despite this, The Step Back to the 1940s Event Team remains committed to working collaboratively to ensure the Second World War is presented in a sensitive, inclusive, and historically accurate manner, providing context, understanding, and educational value for current and future generations, in view of this we ask you all to please continue to support us as a committee and support the event at this time.
“We understand that the decision will not be a popular one; however, we strongly encourage you to support the organising committee and continue to attend this weekend’s event.”