UpRise - just one week to go

The spirit of London's popular Rise anti-racism festival will return next Sunday in the form of UpRise, a new festival organised by Finsbury Park residents Freya van Lessen and Mike Barnard.

UpRise will be held on Sunday, October 3rd in the park from 12.30 to 7.30pm. As with its predecessor, it will be a free festival for all the family featuring the many cultures that make up London and beyond.

The festival will feature performances from Imaani, Yaaba Funk, Soothsayers, Jimmy Screech, Natty, Nathan ‘flutebox’ Lee, United Vibrations and Shri, with award-winning comedian Imran Yusuf and Mecury Music Prize-nominated Ty as hosts.

Speaking at the festivals launch,  UpRise founder Mike Barnard said: "We are delighted that the legacy of Rise Festival, which was Europe's largest anti-racism festival, will live on through UpRise. This event is by the people and for the people, enabling Londoners to celebrate the rich diversity of London, while highlighting that racism has no place in our city."

London mayoral candidate and long-time Rise supporter Ken Livingstone added, "Every single nation on earth is represented in London, and it works. If I am lucky enough to be Mayor in 2012, I will provide funding for UpRise to help it grow."

The last Rise in 2008 was attended by around 100,000 people, making it Europe's largest anti-racism festival before cancellation by Mayor Johnson. UpRise aims to reflect the spirit of London, eradicate racism from society, celebrate and respect cultures, and promote unity.

Will you be going? Let us know below!