Rock Against Racism

30 years on - London marks with carnival

26 April 2008 - London is getting ready to Rock Against Racism.

It's 30 years since the original gig in Victoria Park - headlined by Tom Robinson Band and featured a legendary performance from The Clash.

Tomorrow, the 30th anniversary carnival will be held in the same park, with Tom Robinson playing again, along with Babyshambles, Paddingtons, The Specials’ Jerry Dammers, and Clash collaborator Don Letts.

It nearly didn’t happen though. Morrissey had to step in to save the festival from possible financial ruin. Organisers said it was facing a £75,000 deficit after a main sponsor withdrew. But Morrissey has made a personal donation and rallied together his management, promoters and booking agency to help make up the shortfall.

Something of interest, something to debate and discuss
Steve Diggle

"This is something I am committed to and we appreciate everyone coming together so quickly to make it happen," he said.

Buzzcock’s guitarist Steve Diggle was there first time round and will be putting in an appearance tomorrow. He’s said of the event:

“Coming from the punk thing, a lot of songs were about questioning surrounding and awareness of things, and questioning society and everything around you. So Rock Against Racism fits into it well. Something of interest, something to debate and discuss”

The Love Music Hate Racism carnival will run from 12pm until 6pm.



Louise Hulland