Boris Johnson under fire after Rise festival alters its message

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The National Assembly Against Racism claimed the move raised questions about the Mayor's commitment to tackling the issue.

The festival, held in Finsbury Park and organised by the GLA, has in the past encouraged artists prepared to perform for lower fees because of its message.

However, this year's event, to be held on 13 July and featuring Jimmy Cliff, Beardyman and CSS, has been promoting a theme of "celebrating diversity" instead.

A spokesman for the NAAR said: "We were contacted by the Greater London Authority last week and told anti-racism will no longer be the central message of the Rise festival. Support for the festival from performers and communities has always been based on this anti-racist message so the change is sure to be highly controversial."