Shoreditch Festival 2012
Words: Matei Rosca
Last week has been very culturally active for the borough of Hackney, with the 11th free annual Shoreditch Festival taking place.
It started on Sunday July 14th and ended Sunday July 22nd – a week of cultural diversity and celebration in East London. Many events were part of this festival, including The Vintage Picnic, world music, rock and jazz concerts and the arrival of the Olympic Flame to Hackney.
It was organised by the Shoreditch Trust, a charity involved in many social projects in the area, working at improving the quality of life and culture, especially for young people. (www.shoreditchtrust.org.uk).
We have been there on Sunday to enjoy the warmth and sun on Regent’s Canal, while listening to some quality live music – with bands such The Great Malarkey (headlining) with at least half a dozen members – all playing live instruments, the energy of the acts was powerful enough to get everyone on their feet at some point or another. The message of the lyrics was also notably positive – articulating ideas of love, positivity, joy and embracement of diversity.
Freshly prepared food of Indian, Caribbean, Thai and Nigerian variety kept everyone’s appetite going, while the kind organisers allowed for beverages and snacks to be brought in from outside, in addition to the whole thing being free in the first place.
Not a bad way to spend what might just be the first day of the short and overdue British hot summer.
Here and Now 365 has always prided itself for promoting multiculturalism and celebrating the ethnic diversity of the UK.
