COUNCILLORS have decided to turn their back on celebrating Somerset Day next year because it falls too close to the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Wellington Town Council is planning ahead to commemorate the milestone anniversary date which marks the Allies’ defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

The council’s economic development committee agreed on October 16 to approve a budget of £4,250 for the VE Day commemoration event which will take place next year in Wellington Park on the evening of Thursday, May 8.

But councillors were far less than enthusiastic about making £2,500 available for a possible Somerset Day event in Wellington Park two days later on Saturday, May 10, to “celebrate the economy, history, heritage beauty and culture” of Somerset.

Somerset Day organisers are hoping as many groups across the county will hold a Big Somerset Picnic on May 10 to bring communities together.

Plans to commemorate VE Day and Somerset Day were proposed by the town council’s events working group on October 9.

But the Somerset Day event was not supported by the council’s economic development committee.

Cllr Keith Wheatley questioned whether it was sensible to hold two events so close to each other.

“We will be marking VE Day and then two days later we have got Somerset Day,” he said. “I’m sceptical about Somerset Day – it feels like an event for the sake of it.

“I don’t see why we are putting on an event for Somerset Day when we are already doing something for VE Day which is far more important to most people.”

The Mayor, Cllr Janet Lloyd, said: “Both events are set days, but I do agree with what Cllr Wheatley says.”

Cllr John Thorne said he was “ambivalent” to Somerset Day – no real feelings one way or another about the event.

“Somerset Day was started by an individual a few years ago, but I don’t think you will find too many communities doing something for it,” said Cllr Thorne. “I’m not opposed to Somerset Day, but I’m not exactly in favour of it either.”

Committee chairman, Cllr Chris Booth, said he would be happy if individual groups within Wellington wanted to “step forward and take on” Somerset Day.

But the Mayor said: “I think we’ve got to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Somerset Day and I’m saying no.”

Town clerk Dave Farrow said the council could “signpost” those people interested in finding out more about Somerset Day.

“We can promote Somerset Day via our social media, but not do anything,” added Mr Farrow.

Councillors agreed to scrap any plans for the council to hold an event to mark Somerset Day.

The official Somerset Day is celebrated each year on May 11 to mark the day when King Alfred the Great, back in 878, is believed to have gathered all the people of Somerset to march and defeat an invading Viking army.

The date of May 11 was selected for Somerset Day in an online poll in 2015 in which 8,000 people voted.