Hard-Fi & Jay Sean confirmed for Rock Against Racism

Love Music Hate Racism Carnival 2008 – Rock Against Racism 30th Anniversary' takes place on the 27th April in Victoria Park, London and promises to be LMHR’s biggest event yet.

Hard-Fi and Jay Sean have been confirmed to join the bill for the Carnival. Plus Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex, who opened the 1978 Carnival, will be performing one or two of the the punk legends' best-known songs in a one-off collaboration with one of the bands on the bill, Jerry Dammers - founder and songwriter of The Specials.

Hard-Fi explained their involvement, "At one point there's been quite a strong BNP presence not far from where we live, and graffiti around town. It's hard to believe its actually happening in your neighbourhood. I think people sometimes try to just brush aside racism and hope it will go away, but you need to get your voice get heard - who can shout the loudest? Music brings people together, racism divides - united we stand, divided we fall."

Other new names added to the bill include Patrick Wolf, Roll Deep, Radio 1 DJ Nihal, Bishi, Juggy D + MC Special, Mecca 2 Medina, DJ Hype + Daddy Earl, Riz MC, Chipmunk, Target, Mistajam, Hypa Fen & Marcie Phonix, Statik, Nathan 'Flutebox' Lee, and dubstep don Skream joins Benga. More big-name headliners will be announced later this week.

Carnival attendees can expect to see all kinds of musicians uniting against racism and fascism – creating a diverse and vibrant mix of music. Already announced are Tom Robinson, Roll Deep ft Wiley, Tinchy Stryder & Jammer, Rock Against Racism Allstars ft very special guests, The Paddingtons, Bashy, Don Letts, Ace & Vis, Lady Ny, The Thirst, Adelaide Mckenzie, No.Lay, Metz & Trix, Hoodstars, The Tribunes, Lil Rascals, Stylo G, and DJ Rugrat.

The carnival celebrates 30 years since the famous 1978 Rock Against Racism (RAR)/Anti Nazi League (ANL) carnival and march. As with the original there will be an Anti Nazi League-organised march against racism and fascism on the day, assembling at 10am at Weavers Fields London E2. The Carnival runs from 12noon til 6pm, and is completely FREE to get into with NO advance ticket required.

Red Saunders (RAR founder) said, "The passion and indescribable sense of cultural solidarity that Rocking against Racism brought to a whole generation of youth 30 years ago, is set to ignite a new generation with today's vital multicultural music, and energy, at the LMHR anniversary carnival in Victoria Park."

There will be 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. Plus transport to the event being organised from across the UK.

Speakers include Tony Benn, Derek Simpson (Unite), Mark Serwotka (PCS), Weyman Bennett (LMHR), Gemma Tumelty (NUS), and members of the family of racist murder victim Anthony Walker. More speakers & major acts announced every week until Carnival '08.

Jerry Dammers, Specials founder and writer of anti-apartheid classic 'Free Nelson Mandela' said, "The BNP are like the daleks; no matter how many times they're defeated they dont get the message. But they're not from a fantasy and we can't be complacent and relax the struggle against them. Everyone should do everything they can to counteract them, and I urge anyone who can to attend and donate to LMHR Carnival 08."

There will be a lively carnival procession through London beforehand. The event will be celebrating multicultural London and putting out the biggest possible anti-racism message, urging people to use their vote just four days ahead of the Greater London Assembly and local council elections - in which the likes of the fascist British National Party could do well if unchallenged. For more information, see the Love Music Hate Racism website.

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