Dig Deep for the Carnival

Some of London's leading urban stars are performing at the Love Music Hate Racism Carnival at Victoria Park, Hackney on Sunday.

The Recorder-backed event marks the 30th anniversary of the first Rock Against Racism event there. With the carnival taking place four days before the London Mayor and Greater London Assembly elections - and a massive 70,000 people expected to attend - organisers say they hope the day "can mobilise the extra votes needed to stop the BNP winning in London".

Stratford grime stars Roll Deep Crew and their former frontman, turned solo star, Wiley appear, along with Asian R&B crossover star Jay Sean and Radio One DJ/presenter Nihal. Other dance acts to look out for include dub reggae star Don Letters, drum and bass jocks DJ Hype and Daddy Earl, plus cool up-and-coming vocalist Natty.

Roll Deep issued the following statement to Club Mix: "First of all, we would like to welcome everyone to Victoria Park for this huge festival, and big up to everyone who has come out to support the fight against racism. Coming from east London, it's extra special for us to have the event on our doorstep. For those of you who don't already know, we've been doing our thing for around six years as Roll Deep and are about to release our second main album in the summer.!

"Our crew is made up of 15 nationalities, so we've always backed LMHR and will continue to do so until racism and fascism is completely wiped out in our society. You can look forward to a big performance from us on the day, and we'll also bring a few special guests with us so find yourself a space and enjoy the day. Let's stamp out racism."

Natty added: "Considering there aren't any black MPs in the cabinet and hardly any black faces in the media spotlight talking sense, I feel like it's my duty to support LMHR, to not only talk to black youth about our identity but to reach white youths who might just see the stereotypes on the TV and show, through the music, that skin colour doesn't mean sh*t. Come down and support the LMHR Carnival."

The carnival is a free event, running from noon - 6pm, but is costing more than £400,000 to stage. A LMHR spokesman pointed out: "The trade union movement, in particular, has been brilliant in helping to raise much of the costs. However, we still urgently need support from anyone who can afford to contribute - no matter how small the amount."

Donations can be made at at www.lovemusichateracism.com/donate or by cheques posted to Love Music Hate Racism, 231 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V. For more information on the event go to www.lmhrcarnival.com.

Ilford Recorder