Love music? Hate Racism?

vinvolved supported the ‘Love Music Hate Racism’ Festival which was held in Kenilworth on August 30th 2008 a vibrant festival, organized by three sixth-formers using the energy of the modern music scene to celebrate diversity and involve the community in anti-racist and anti-fascist activity. The festival was a fantastic way to culminate the summer in Abbey Fields, Kenilworth, from 12 noon until 6pm. Abbey Fields is in the centre of Kenilworth and easily accessible from Coventry, Leamington, Birmingham and all the surrounding area. The festival showcased live music from the some of the best local talent; featured interesting stalls such as One World Link, yoga workshops, belly dancing demonstrations, face painting and powerful speakers and fun activities ensuring that everyone had a fantastic day out.

Approximately 600 people attended the event enjoying the fine weather and the excellent entertainment.

The variety of bands and artists performing includes; Tat Supreme, The Dandilions, The Sequins, Revelers Riot, Sharks, 3 and a Half English Men and Dub Culture. They all guarantee an energetic set whilst also helping to spread the positive message of equality.

However, all this fun is not purposeless; the festival aims to spread the values of equality and peace, regardless of race or colour. It is said that music is a universal language and you only have to look at the UK’s vibrant music scene to see that we live in a diverse, dynamic and exciting society. The charity 'Love Music Hate Racism' wants to create a national movement against racism and fascism through the power of music, so it is vital that everyone unites in showing solidarity against destructive forces like racism. We also want to show that not all young people should be judged as a pest to society, there are a large number of us who actually want to make a positive contribution to the society we live in.

There are some things which are universally loved, like music for example, but there are also things which we hope would be universally detested, like racism.

Alex Shearn

Alex Shearn, one of the three students organising this monumentus event says: “There are some things which are universally loved, like music for example, but there are also things which we hope would be universally detested, like racism. Unfortunately this is not always the case and racism is as much of a problem today as it ever has been. It is especially important to stress the importance of peace and equality to young people because they are easily duped into racism and could go on to become racist thugs purely through ignorance.” Our public speakers will cover topics such as ‘Islamophobia’, equality in employment and university research on the damage of racism in communities. We hope that our academic speakers including writer Chris Allen and TUC regional secretary Roger McKenzie will all have a few tricks up their sleeves too!