The Good, The Bad and The Queen for Love Music Hate Racism Carnival

Love Music Hate Racism Carnival 2008 celebrating Rock Against Racism's 30th Anniversary which takes place on the Sunday 27th April in Victoria Park, London has announced the more acts for what will be LMHR’s biggest event yet.

Jerry Dammers presents the LMHR Carnival 08 Finale, featuring a set from Paul Simonon, Simon Tong, Tony Allen and Damon Albarn playing music from The Good, The Bad and The Queen. Dammers & The Specials played the last-ever Rock Against Racism carnival in 1981, and Jerry has been heavily involved in the LMHR campaign: "Hating racism should be as natural as liking music, or breathing air for that matter."

With Pete Docherty unable to attend, Babyshambles' bassist Drew McConnell has confirmed he will put together a one-off version of his "other band" Helsinki to perform at the LMHR Carnival '08.

As well as Helsinki regulars Matt Parke and Brown, the 40-minute set will include appearances by 'Shambles guitarist Mick Whitnall, Reverend & The Makers' John McClure, ex-Arctic Monkeys man Andy Nicholson, Ed Larrikin, and Poly Styrene whose band X-Ray Spex opened the 1978 RAR/ANL Carnival.

Other acts on the bill include Hard-Fi, UK R&B star Jay Sean, Patrick Wolf, Roll Deep, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, DJ Nihal, Bashy, The Paddingtons, Natty and dubstep dons Skream and Benga.

Performers from the 1978 event who'll be making cameo appearances on the day include Sham 69's Jimmy Pursey - who sang "White Riot" with The Clash on the day. The original ’78 headliner Tom Robinson is confirmed to appear along with Fionn Regan, Ace & Invisible, and Don Letts.

Speakers who will address the event include veteran campaigner Tony Benn; trade union leaders Derek Simpson (Unite) and Mark Serwotka (PCS); National Union of Students leader Gemma Tumelty; and members of the family of racist murder victim Anthony Walker.

The carnival celebrates 30 years since the famous Rock Against Racism carnival, which also took place in Victoria Park and was played by The Clash, Steel Pulse and other legends.

As with the original event there will be an Anti Nazi League-organised march against racism and fascism on the day, assembling at 10am at Weavers Fields London E2. Coaches will be bringing groups from around the country to the event are being organised from across the UK. This will be a lively carnival procession through London to the event which has three stages - two live outdoor stages + big dance marquee. Acts from the worlds of hip-hop, indie, grime, bhangra, rock, reggae, dubstep, r&b, funky house, jungle, and more. Stars of the original 1978 Carnival will be playing live, unique collaborations, speakers, debates and information on fighting racism and fascism.

For more information, see the Love Music Hate Racism website.

Entry to the Carnival FREE - but donations are welcomed.

Latest Updates