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On Saturday 19th July that big ol' waste o' public cashola will be put to some good use. RESPECT, now in its third year as a anti-racist free public party, which last year was headlined by De La Soul, this year has Public Enemy confirmed as headliners, supported by northern-mowtown-soulers Un-cut and bhangra superstar Panjabi MC. Other performers on the main stage will include Rhythm Dohl + Bass, Sunship, Gregory Issacs, Heartless crew, JJC & the 419 crew, and Estelle.
Respect isn't confined to live music, oh no, there is also a wide range of performance and children's activities, as well as grub and slosh stalls and information about trade unions, voluntary groups, charities and community organisations. Respectweek runs from 12-19 July and will include a film festival, music, theatre and other arts events; community and borough based activities; children's and educational programming. Loads more info @ respectfestival.org.uk (down at the time of writing).
Smiley London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, reckons:
"Respect is fast becoming recognised for introducing Londoners to new stars, with Mis-Teeq and Blue in 2001, and Fallacy in 2002. It is great to see that we can attract artists prepared to support its anti-racist message. I am also delighted that respect is the first free event at the Dome. With a musical mix that should appeal to all ages and represents London’s rich cultural diversity, respect 2003 should be one of the highlights of the summer.
However, let us not forget why we hold respect each year. This year’s respect is dedicated to the memory of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack ten years ago and I, with the rest of London, will be making a collective statement to stamp out racism in the capital when we attend the festival on 19 July.”
The event featuring PE is organised by Ken Livingstone, in conjunction with the National Assembly Against Racism and the TUC South East Region, starts at noon. They're expecting a turn out to rival the 85,000 people who went last year.
