Free festivals

Summer in London doesn't bring sunshine, but brings lots of music events, and plety of them free. The second week of July I went with some friends to the Rise Festival in a park in Finsbury Park. The aim of the festival, which was called Respect, was to combine music with exhibitions and displays covering the work of individual trade unions, voluntary groups, charities and community organisations in the area of equalities. The athmosphere is great, with lots of people doing picnics all around the 5 different stages.

In one of the stages there's this group (Lines of Faith ft. Poetic Pilgrimage) with Jews, Muslims and female rapers from London. Fantastic mixture and really good music.

Then there's another stage with African music, really lively and inviting to dance. And the main stage wasn't less. It's a pity that the organisation decided to cut the energy at 20:30 on the spot, in the middle of a song of the main group of the Festival... The rules are the rules...

if you didn't go this year, don't miss it next one!!

PS: one piece of advice. do not try to carry your 89kg friend in your shoulders if you don't want to break your back... word of wisdom...