Stag do vandalised brand new ‘sea of poppies’ war memorial just HOURS after it was unveiled
Barriers have had to be erected and security ramped up around the Cardiff memorial after the vandals struck on Saturday
AN “over-exuberant” stag do is being blamed for damaging a war memorial just hours after it was unveiled.
Barriers had to be erected around Cardiff’s ‘sea of poppies’ after the vandals struck on Saturday.
Council leader Phil Bale called it an “appalling, mindless act of vandalism”.
The digital installation Field – a memorial for 923 Royal Welch Fusiliers killed during World War I – was officially launched outside the Wales Millennium Centre on Friday night.
But on Saturday a number of the poppies were snapped and had to be replaced.
There is round the clock security at the memorial, but that has also been ramped up since the destruction.
Emma Flatley, director of engagement at Welsh National Opera, said: “Some of the poppies were snapped and had to be replaced. There is security, but it is a big field and difficult to be watching every part all the time.
“That is why we have to put the barriers in place and have a more controlled environment. It is very sad but it hasn’t stopped hundreds of families coming down and enjoying the installation on Sunday morning. It is still very much open to the public.
“The response so far has been amazing and the majority of people have been respectful and have said it was great modern-day way of remembering, but there is a small minority who want to destroy things.”
Coun Bale said: “It is an appalling, mindless act of vandalism that reflects badly on those responsible and doesn't reflect on the incredible warmth that the majority of people in the city have welcomed the memorial.
“I was lucky enough to be at the unveiling on Friday night and felt it was a touching tribute in a prime position. It is a shame a small number of people have tried to spoil it.”
Created by award-winning international art and design collective Squidsoup, the illuminated installation accompanied the world premier of WNO’s In Parenthesis.
Each of the 923 lights represents one of the fallen Royal Welsh Fusiliers whose names are inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial in France.
It will be on display outside the Cardiff Bay venue until June 22
One visitor tweeted: “Who’d want to vandalise a tribute to our brave #RoyalWelshFusiliers remembered on Thiepval &; now in their Capital? Disgraceful!”
Another said: “Dear me! What a total lack of respect.”
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