Commercialising Gallipoli into a slumber party

A new festival has been launched in commemoration of 100 years since World War 1 and I don’t know whether to love the idea or declare it a dangerous over-commercialisation of a sombre and important iconic moment.  Do we look at it as “Disney does Gallipoli” turning our nations largest horror into a giant national slumber party, or do we stand up and cheer that someone is turning our history into a movement?

“Camp Gallipoli” is the newest festival in the marketplace, an overnight camp to be held on ANZAC Day in 2015, 100 years since 11,000 ANZACs made the ultimate sacrifice at Anzac cove in Gallipoli.

“Commemorate 100 years of ANZAC history camping in swags together as one at Camp Gallipoli events across Australia and New Zealand” the website professes.  Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney are the cities listed.

It is marketed as an event for both families and individuals alike, where “mates” can celebrate the 100 year anniversary eating great tucker, seeing iconic entertainers on stage and rising for the Dawn Service.

“Camp Gallipoli opens its doors to all Australians and New Zealanders to participate in a once in a lifetime event and will take your emotions  on a roller coaster as its blends celebration with commemoration.  You will learn, sing, eat, drink, laugh, (and cry) but most importantly you will be together.”

It is a sleepout festival to be set up in showgrounds in every major capital. Tickets are not yet on sale, but are in the league of $100-150 and you can come with your own sleeping bag, or you can buy a s specially commissioned “authentic” swag from the event for $275 single or $375 double.  It will even come with an official service number.

To me, a rather emotional soul, in some ways it sounds wonderful.  And in others I fear that we’ll be over trivialising and “selling” an image of the ANZACs that is unfair on their memory.  My Grandfather, who fought in World War Two, detested people turning the War into an excuse, an opportunity or a major leverage point.  He never wanted to talk about his time unless we were sitting together quietly, respectfully understanding the position he was in as a soldier on the Egyptian fronts.

All I can say is that I hope they get it right.  It would be pretty embarrassing if we allow a bunch of boozy festivals over-commercialise our ANZACs into another reason for a rock concert, sleep out and food van area in a showground,

The organisers of Camp Gallipoli are doing so as a Not-for-profit and have set up a foundation with all surplus going to the RSL and Legacy. Whilst it is unclear who the actual organisers are, they have sought endorsement from the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board, Department of Defence, Department of Veterans Affairs, RSL and Legacy.

They have already recruited a number of “sportspersons” to say how wonderful they think the event will be on their website.  So I look forward to seeing how this one unfolds.  And I really hope they do it with the enormous respect it deserves.

What do you think… Disney does Gallipoli or a good reason for a sleepout?