MOG

Carnival Day in London 27 April 2008 - Thirty years after a group of music stars decided to Rock Against Racism, the Love Music Hate Racism carnival is celebrating the efforts of 1978.

The Good, The Bad and The Queen, Hard-Fi and Jay Sean are headlining the anti-racism concert in east London. Organisers hope 100,000 people will attend the free carnival in Victoria Park. The original gig was headlined by Tom Robinson Band and featured a legendary performance from The Clash.

The 30th anniversary carnival now revisits the same park, with Tom Robinson playing again. This time the line up includes Babyshambles, Paddingtons, The Specials’ Jerry Dammers, and Clash collaborator Don Letts.

We stand against racism
Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly

Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly are taking to the stage as well – and Sam from the band says that we shouldn’t compare the two events:

“I don’t think it’s about rivalling or matching or living up to a legacy. It’s about a group of current artists, and artists from that time, and artists involved with music of various different kinds coming together and standing for one thing – which is we stand against racism”.

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.

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

One of the organisers, Martin Smith, says he hopes today will make as many young people has possible go back to school, college, or work and spread the anti-racist message. / The Clash performing "White Riot" for free in London's Victoria Park for 80,000 people in April 1978 - Rock Against Racism