WWhile millions in Britain and around the world will pay homage to the Queen’s funeral on Monday in earnest - whether it’s watching Huw Edwards for nine hours from the comfort of the living room or joining a crowd at a formal event on the big screen - you want to take advantage of the rare bank holiday and completely misrepresent the historic event. .
But would that really be possible? With most sports centers and public buildings closed, as well as many shops, stores and museums, Monday may seem like a bank holiday in the past, with almost everything closed not even a James Bond movie entertainment.
For those who would politely refuse to participate in the mass celebration of the Queen’s funeral, here are some ideas.
Go for a long walk
Remember all those helpful activities you resorted to during the Covid lockdowns? They are your friend. Alan Wares, co-host of the Brighton FC Albion Roar podcast, decided to go for a long walk along the South Downs with his dog Roxy. “Nothing will be unlocked for Miles around,” he said, “so we will be making the freebie choice and Roxy will have some friendships with other people who avoid the funeral along the way.”
a job
You may be freelance, or you may work for the NHS or an emergency service or countless other jobs where you won’t get a bank holiday. You can even work in news gathering. If so, solidarity.
go to the bar
But neither was operated by Greene King or the Fuller Group, which both said they would provide the funeral service. In fact, it may be better to choose an establishment that has no television at all. Isobel Knight, a public relations consultant, did her homework. “Fortunately a local wine bar has been spared. They are open from 1pm and have no TV. When I checked in last night, they promised that the music would only be in the background.”
bake a cake
Make sure to buy your ingredients before Monday, as many supermarkets will be closed. Author and political analyst Sourav Dutt has decided to turn the activism into a political statement, and is preparing a Union Jack cake to represent the Empire with the Koh-i-Noor diamond studded in the Queen Mother’s crown. The cake will be split among four families of friends - an Indian, a Pakistani, an Afghan and an Iranian - to represent the jewel’s return to South Asia, as it is claimed by the four nations. “It’s a fun way to avoid the funeral,” he said.
leave the country
It’s exciting, but it may be the only option that allows you to avoid any funeral coverage altogether, and even then you may have to choose a remote location. Graham Smith, CEO of the Republican Campaigns Group, will drive across Sweden to the annual meeting of the Coalition of European Republican Movements. “On big royal events like ceremonies and weddings, we usually ask Republicans not to leave the country and find another way to join the conversation,” he said. “We felt this was not a moment of protest, but that there would be a series of events and protests including the inauguration of the Prince of Wales and the coronation for people to participate in.”