A UK cafe has faced criticism for hosting a '9/11 watch party' on the anniversary of the attacks, with a local councillor saying the event risks turning 'a tragedy into a spectacle'. The event, staged by political arts group Verdurin as part of the Adam Curtis Party Conference, will take place on the 25th anniversary of the attack.
Event details and criticism
Wild Boscombe Cafe will host the event, which is advertised for guests to 'experience the fears and tears' of the attacks in real time. Attendees will be asked to leave their phones at the door and will watch raw footage of the attacks and live news reports.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in 2001 when two hijacked planes flew into the World Trade Centre.
Despite criticism from the council, the venue argued it was 'not intended as a celebration or trivialisation'.
Curator's response
Curator Pierre d'Alancaisez told GB News: "That phrase about turning this into a spectacle. These events were spectacular in that these attacks were engineered for the camera.
"The entire point is to reconstruct our relationship with the media we simply do not have anymore.
"What we are showing are historical documents, already available to the public that, owing to their ongoing global influence, warrant wide engagement and scrutiny.
"There will be no spectacle here… other than the 'spectacle' constructed in 2001 by news organisations in real time."
Advertisement and councillor's concerns
The advertisement for the event online reads: "9/11 Watch Party rebroadcasts the responses of the mainstream media, twinning them with conspiratorial commentators in an installation of overwhelming scale.
"By the end of the evening, you will have been taken in by the seductive power of conspiracy theories.
"If you were there when it happened, you can refresh your memories. If you were too young, get a feel for what it was like as it happened."
Simon McCormack, Christchurch councillor, said he was 'deeply concerned' by the watch party. He said: "Nearly 3,000 people were murdered on 9/11, while countless survivors, emergency workers and bereaved families continue to live with the consequences. This was a real human tragedy—not entertainment, a 'watch party' or an experience to be recreated for an audience.
"There are respectful ways to remember the victims, educate people about what happened and examine how the attacks changed the world. But packaging their final moments and the suffering of their families as an immersive event crosses a line and risks turning tragedy into spectacle.
"I do not believe this is appropriate for Bournemouth, particularly on such a significant anniversary. I urge the organisers and venue to reconsider out of respect for the victims, survivors and their families."
The Express has contacted Verdurin for comment.
