SHOPPERS going about their business in Thame on Saturday afternoon, February 3, were stopped in their tracks by the sound of a lone trumpeter, playing Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, and even more amazed to see several groups of people waving European and Union flags, emerge from different directions to join him and sing the European anthem.
The event was a ‘flash mob’ organised by ‘Thame for Europe’, a group that does not believe that the debate about our EU membership is over. The event took place outside Thame Town Hall where about 50 people from areas including London, Milton Keynes, Oxford and High Wycombe joined in despite a very cold, wet day.
“As we were gathering, we were given supportive ‘honks’ from passing cars – and one loud motorbike deliberately revving – in protest we assume!” said a Spokesperson for Thame for Europe.
The event certainly sparked a lot of discussion on local social media, with comments and opinions traded from both sypathetic Remainers and Brexiteers – not all of them in language suitable for publishing!
After the singing, the group gave out ‘It’s not a done deal’ leaflets to passers-by to encourage those unhappy about Brexit to make their position clear to their MPs and to join protests to make their voices heard.
“Details of the event were sent to many influential contacts from both sides of the EU debate to emphasise the growing support for remaining in the EU and the increasing realization of the negative impact of Brexit on our country,” added the Spokesperson.
Anti-Brexit flash mobs have been happening all over the country, including Canterbury, Newcastle, Brighton and London. A large scale event is expected in Manchester on February 10, 2018.
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