An event I am more than aware of now (I'm so London-centric, I must get out of town more). The Mayor Of London, you know, Ken, has announced details of this year's Rise festival which will take place on 8 Jul in North London's Finsbury Park. As always, this event has an anti-racism theme, which is why no one from Barking is invited. And more fool them, because they are going to miss out on sets from Graham Coxon, The Buzzcocks, The Wailers, Sway and the legend that is Roy Ayers.
Launching the 2006 event, Ken got on over to CMU central to fill us in. Chance would be a fine thing - does anyone at London's City Hall ever return phone calls ever? Does anyone really work there? Ah well, here's what he's quoted as saying in the press release: "There will be no concessions to racism in London - London is a successful city because it is diverse and open and we will fight for that diversity with every breath because it is our city's lifeblood. Now more than ever we have to stand up against racism. Racism is a dead end and music is one of the most powerful ways of demonstrating that fact. The Rise: London United [event] will bring together people from every background to celebrate the diversity of the capital. This incredibly strong and broad line-up of artists will make a great free day out for all with a strong message that our city loves its diversity".
More on all this at http://www.risefestival.org. Press info from City Hall on 020 7983 4068 - ha, good luck on getting them to call you back.