Hello People,
In his most famous novel, the writer George Orwell predicted
that by 1984 mankind would be enslaved in a world of perpetual war. Ordinary
people would be forced to live their lives under constant government
surveillance, and we would be ruled by shadowy elite, who manipulate the
information we receive, to create a society filled with fear and mistrust.
What George Orwell didn’t know was that 1984 was also the
year of the first ever Lewisham People’s Day:
‘Lewisham’s biggest
festival, that brings together hundreds of performers, businesses, and community
groups for one amazing day’ – Lewisham Council
See, it wasn’t all
bad, was it George?
Every year, without fail, Rosie would volunteer to help out
at People’s Day. She did this till her job at the British Museum – where she
has to make sure the mummies don’t escape from their crypts, and run amuck in
central London – became so busy, she had to stop.
I would always ask her, “Why are you giving up your weekend
for a festival that hardly anyone has heard of, for a bunch of people you don’t
even know?”
At which she would hold up her hand, and list off these five
points,
“1. The sun always shines on People’s Day, proving
that God loves the Borough of Lewisham. Unlike Glastonbury, for example, which
he is at best indifferent about.
2. It’s a People’s Day. So if you’re a person, then
it’s a day held in your honour. Not going would be like not turning up to your
own wedding reception.
3. There might be a tombola.
4. You get a really cool volunteer’s T-shirt.
5. It’s free!”
Rose was certainly right about the last point at least. Peoples
Day is the longest running free festival in South East London, 31 years in
total, that’s even longer than the New Eltham Donkey Derby!
Lewisham council has always been the Greece of the London
boroughs. Give them a few quid to fix a few pot holes in the road, and they'll
spend it on a massive fire-works display. Say 'Here's some dough to replace
those cracked paving slabs, and they'll blow it all on a 12 ft. long fibreglass
cat. In this age of austerity, it's probably not considered cool to spend a
decent chunk of your budget on a party. But I say good luck to them, what's
life without a little fun?
As the years went by, I too began to love Peoples a Day, but
not because of the tombola, or the t-shirts, or even God’s preference for inner
London councils. I love People’s Day because of the people like Rose, who are
willing to give up their free time to help out their community.
People's Day is this Saturday 11th of July in Mountsfield Park, Catford.
There will be music, food, drink, a big wheel, a children’s fun fair, and much more. So if you're a person, and proud of it,
then I recommend you come along to the party!
http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/events/whats-on/peoples-day/Pages/Peoples-Day-whats-on.aspx
See you there people.
