I've written to my MP. I have no objection to commemorating VE Day (my father and grandfather fought in the War) but this comes at too short notice. This will disrupt a lot of public and private events - the BBC website carried a piece about a couple whose wedding will be disrupted, and they will not be alone. The effect on folk festivals and similar events is obvious - my band Albireo is booked to perform at Evesham MayHeyDays so we're waiting to see what happens. The school has to go the LEA to decide what days it can open.

As well as the events and individuals affected, all their suppliers will be affected. They will face cancellations for May 4 and may have lost the opportunity to charge bank holiday rates for the new date. Anyone who booked their wedding on May 8 at a cheap rate (venues charge more at weekends, and especially bank holidays) will have got a real bargain.

This idea was proposed by the Business Secretary without any thought to the effect it will have on small businesses, including festivals and events. But when the government is apparently willing to totally screw business over Brexit, this is small beer.