27/04/05Rise to counter threat of racism – Mayor announces plans for
anti-racism festival
Saturday 16 July 2005, Burgess Park, South London, FREE
Lemar, The Mitchell Brothers, Kano, Eska, Horace Andy
amongst performers lined up to perform
Mayor Ken Livingstone today urged Londoners to stand firm against racism,
with the announcement of plans for Rise, an anti-racist music and multicultural
festival being organised by the Greater London Authority in conjunction with
the trades unions and anti-racist movement.
Rise will take place in Burgess Park, south London, on Saturday 16 July. A
free event with live music and other attractions, it is the fifth year that
the Mayor has supported what has become the largest festival of its kind in
Europe, in conjunction with the National Assembly Against Racism and TUC South
East Region (SERTUC).
Chart topper Lemar is due to play a full set, with other performers, including
The Mitchell Brothers, the first signing to Mike Skinner's The Beats label,
London's rising MC star, Kano, acclaimed British soul-jazz artist Eska, and
one of Jamaica's most distinguished and beloved vocalists Horace Andy. Other
acts will be confirmed over the next few weeks.
The Mayor said: 'London is one of the most diverse cities
in the world and its different communities enjoy living side by side. Figures
from the Metropolitan Police show that racist incidents in London have fallen
by 35 per cent in the last five years. But we cannot be complacent. There
are still 35 racist crimes in London every day.
'Racially motivated crime is on the increase elsewhere in the UK and there
is a growing threat of racism in other parts of Europe. With this year's anti-racism
festival we are urging all communities to rise against racism. Whatever community
we belong to, we should come together to send a clear signal that racism will
not be tolerated in London, a city where diversity is celebrated as an asset.'
Milena Buyum, Co-ordinator National Assembly Against Racism,
said: 'The National Assembly Against Racism is proud to be a partner for the
biggest free anti-racist festival in Europe for the fifth year running. Rise
will continue the essential contribution to fighting racism through the celebration
of London's amazing diversity that the respect festival has achieved for four
years in a row. As the number of racist attacks in London are reduced, Rise
will be a true festival of multicultural Britain and help drive back further
the racists.'
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'People from all different communities
and backgrounds must stand together against the minority of bigots in this
country who wish to spread their hate-filled racist messages. The TUC is delighted
to add its support to this year’s Rise festival and to celebrate London’s
thriving diversity.'
Notes to editors
1. Rise is a free, one-day festival celebrating
multiculturalism and promoting anti-racism, organised in conjunction with
the National Assembly Against Racism and TUC South East Region.
2. It is supported by the Canary Wharf Group plc, Unison and media partner
ITV London. For sponsorship opportunities contact Scott McDonald: scott.mcdonald@london.gov.uk.
3. Rise Week is a programme of cultural, sporting and social events also celebrating
London's diversity that take place across the capital from 10-17 July 2004.
4. For general information, including how to get involved, go to www.Risefestival.org;
email info@Risefestival.org;
or call: 020 7983 6554.