SE6 - Peoples Day

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.