Stoke Newington annual festival this Sunday

[ringo]

Sunday June 7th. Usual business, Solution & Gladdy Wax playing all day, and it costs nowt. Always worth a visit.

[Benj52]

That would be Sunday June 10, Ringo.

I am planning on going with the nippers as long as it isn't raining too hard. I'll keep an eye out for the usual suspects near the tent... are you going mate?

For those who have never been, IMHO (speaking as an import, albeit 15 year resident of London), this is a real slice of local life and well worth the admission price (free!). Watch out for the dogs.

Getting the 73 bendy bus from Angel is an easy way to get there, assuming it doesn't catch fire.

[ringo]

Yup, 10th, I knew that. See you there I hope.

[matt]

Benj/Ringo-
See you there at some stage during the afternoon...

[I]

Been going to this event annually since the 1980s. Am thoroughly fed up with Gladdy and Solution by now, a real dullard selection, Gladdy always seems to save his worst for this occasion, tedious stuff like the execrable 'Jamming' by Bob Marley And The Wailers Band, and I'm sure Solution will provide the usual dull mix of Yami Bolo, Junior Reid and the inevitable 'Ring The Alarm' by Tenor Saw. As an event is was probably at its best during the mid-1990s.

Last week, Chris Tofu, who was quite heavily involved in the Stoke festivities back in the day, put on a similar event in Victoria Park, with bands like the superb horn based Grand Union Central and Mark Downey's ska outfit Number One Station. I provided the music, mostly ska, binghi and roots between the acts from noon until 8pm. There were also hip hop tents, an Asian tent from the BBC playing bhangra, a comedy tent, childrens activities and stalls vending hot food (Jamaican, Turkish, Thai, veggie, crepes), Rasta scarves, pottery, Indian dresses, jewellery etc. The famous steam Carters Fair was also there with their dodgems, candy floss and carousels. It pissed down all day and throughout the whole event about 250 people showed. It was the rainiest day for weeks. We were anticipating 25,000 plus. I got fed and paid but it was a wearisome thankless task.

Reel

[matt]

Reel -
Whats your Chinese sign?

[I]

Rat

Reel

[Mr Swing Easy]

Ringo - need a lift ?

MSE

[Benj52]

Yeah, rain and 2 kids under 3 put paid to my intention of reaching Vic Park that day, Penny.

Glad you made it, though.

See youse there, Matt

[matt]

People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. Rat people are easily angered and love to gossip. Their ambitions are big, and they are usually very successful. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox.

[matt]

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

[matt]

Gemini is the third sign of the Zodiac and associated with youth and versatility. Individuals born under this sign are thought to have a sociable, fun-loving, versatile, cunning, lively, communicative, liberal, intelligent, mentally active and friendly character but one which is also prone to moodiness, nervousness, inconsistency, superficiality, restlessness, immaturity and laziness.


In terms of geography Gemini is linked with England, Australia, USA, Apulia, Sardinia, Java, and Sakha Republic.

Among medieval astrologers, Gemini was thought of as a fortunate sign, and its subjects were considered to possess the qualities of intense devotion, genius, largeness of mind, goodness, and liberality. Gemini is also governed by Mercury, the planet of communications.

[I]

The Levites - the Gemini tribe according to the 12 Tribes Of Israel - are the poets and prophets of the clans.

Reel

[I]

But how did we get from North London to Chinese superstition?

Reel

[matt]

I read your response to Stokefest and was pondering was I determined to be a less than optimistic outlook for next weeks events. I know you're Gemini but thought about your Chinese sign as I spend Satuirday night discussing these with a Jewish, Brazilian-born guy whose parents were Morrocan and French. Meandering