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Boris Johnson under fire after Rise festival alters its message
Pippa Crerar, Political Correspondent17.06.08
Boris Johnson was criticised by campaigners today for dropping the central anti-racism message of the Rise music festival.
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."
Reader views (4)
"The argument against racism was won a long time ago"
"for we live in a diverse society, not a single race society"
Two of the most incredibly naive and 'missing the point' statements I think I have heard for a long time. Racism still permeates all aspects of society and politics and it is still as important as ever to fight against it.
- Alan Wylie, London
For my own part I don't see why there is such a fuss about the move. The argument against racism was won a long time ago, even though there will always be pockets of it in society. Far better to have a positive message of celebration, of celebrating our different backgrounds and different customs, or even to speak out against all forms of discrimination, than to have a festival devoted to a single-issue.
- Richard, London, UK
Boris is heading down the right path, with promoting and celebrating diversity, for we live in a diverse society, not a single race society.
- Peter Thurgood, London, UK
The press release for this year's event makes no reference to 'celebrating cultural diversity' either.
Are we to conclude that the commitment to fighting racism expressed by Boris Johnson during his electoral campaign is already on the wane?
- Mark Kerrison, London, UK
