RISE against Racism
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London’s biggest free music festival, Rise has taken place in every year since 2000. With an eclectic mix of hip hop, indie, pop, jazz and reggae it is aimed to bring together the diverse community that is London and is partly organised by the National Assembly Against Racism.
In 2005, over eighty thousand people and families attended the festival, which also brought together Londoners from all communities in the wake of the bombings on 7 July that year. Headlining artists at that event included Lemar, Billy Bragg and Suggs.
As well as the main stage featuring big name acts, there’s are six other stages; Big Cuba Fiesta, Crescent stage, Urban music stage, African stage, Mela stage and DJ Bus, as well as a comedy tent. Other activities include a children’s play area, fair ground, food and drink, exhibitions and arts and crafts.
[edit] Controversy
Despite the stated focus on racism, a number of groups outside that remit had representation at the 2005 event, for example these included groups on both sides of the abortion debate.
