The “rising social unrest” around 538 Orange Day on 24 April is reason for the Breda mayor Paul Depla to cancel the event. According to him, the music spectacle can no longer take place safely and responsibly within the framework of public order, according to a press release from the municipality.

Depla: “The police are receiving more and more signals that the 538 Orange Day will attract supporters and opponents of the corona policy and the Fieldlabs, with all the associated security risks. As mayor, I stand up for the safety of the police officers, local residents and visitors to the event. I regret it, but on the basis of this information I cannot but grant a permit for 538 Orange Day on April 24 at the Chasséveld. ”

The Orange Day, which was attended by 10.000 visitors, led to fierce reactions from catering businesses in the city. They regarded the event as “a stab in the back” because they had to keep their doors closed for months. Employees of the Breda Amphia Hospital started a petition to cancel the music festival, which was signed by almost 400.000 people.

Much misunderstanding

According to the municipality, emotions about the Fieldlab test were “very high”. On the one hand, about a million people registered for the event, but Breda also noted that there was a lot of misunderstanding. “This social unrest has changed the circumstances of the event to such an extent that it poses unacceptable risks to public and safety. In addition, there is a negative advice from the GHOR about the Fieldlab. ”

The Breda city council would meet tonight at 20.00 p.m. for an extra meeting in which Depla had to give text and explanation about the Orange Day. Due to the cancellation of the event, that meeting has been postponed to Tuesday, the municipality said.

Also read: Petition “With 538 scorned care” against test event