Thousands of music lovers were undeterred by bad weather and flocked to a free anti-racism festival.
Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) took place in Victoria Park, East London, with music acts including The Good The Bad and The Queen, Hard-Fi and The View. Organisers estimate 90,000 to 100,000 people attended the event, which singer Morrissey helped to make possible by donating £28,000 when one of the festival's sponsors pulled out at the last minute.
It was preceded by an anti-racism procession from Weavers Fields in Bethnal Green where campaigners and trade unionist marched with banners and a brass band.
The events replicated the first Rock Against Racism carnival, organised by the Anti-Nazi League 30 years ago, which saw 80,000 people march from Trafalgar Square to Victoria Park and watch The Clash perform. The Clash's ex-bassist Paul Simonon now plays with The Good, The Bad and The Queen, fronted by Blur's Damon Albarn, who headlined this year's celebrations.
There were also appearances from other stars of the 1978 event including The Specials' Jerry Dammers, Jimmy Pursey of Sham 69, Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex and Clash collaborator Don Letts. The eclectic line up also included contemporary acts Roll Deep, R&B singer Jay Sean, rockers Hard-Fi, acoustic indie act Get Cape.Wear Cape.Fly, and rock and roll band The Paddingtons who played across two stages and a DJ marquee.
Speakers included Tony Benn, Derek Simpson of the Unite trade union and Weyman Bennett of LMHR. Organisers said they hope this year's event inspired people to vote against the BNP in the Greater London Assembly and local council elections which will take place on Thursday.
Chester Evening Leader
April 28, 2008
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3 comments:
I had to take down a couple of British Movement stickers whilst in Victoria Park on Sunday. What the f**k are they doing about, I thought they had died a death years ago???
@ anonymous 12.31pm
I saw a British Movement sticker last summer on a lamp post near Regents Park mosque behind Baker Street station in central London.
Looks like they are, unfortunately, still around - nazi scum.
Looks like bnp members are hedging their bets as Griffin consolidates power, if we were to win extra funding in the london elections.
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