Decolonise Fest is an annual celebration of music, workshops and art created by and for punks of color, and has been a key element of London's DIY punk scene since 2017. It has become. Currently, the team behind this acclaimed festival is Big Joanie guitarist and author Stephanie Phillips, who is an advocate for emerging artists of color, who will stage the 2024 Weekender We have started a fundraising campaign for this purpose.
Organizers said in a statement on social media:
“Decolonization Fest needs your help.
Things have changed a lot since we last held the festival in 2022. Venues are closing, inflation is rising and DIY challenges are going nowhere.
We're lucky enough to have the PRS Foundation funding our On Tour series of shows, but the main fest is a different beast, and a recent spate of unexpected expenses has put this year's plans in serious jeopardy. It's in jeopardy.
We pride ourselves on being an independent, progressive festival run by POC volunteers. They give free time to artists of color and give POC fans of alternative music a place to celebrate themselves. We will not accept money from anyone who would undermine the values ​​of the festivals we love. So we come to you, the people, for a radical show of community.
Currently, they need to raise £4,500 by the end of June to hold the festival in September 2024. It's certainly a tall order, but if we all work together, we can reach greater heights.”
More information about the fundraiser and to donate can be found on the event's website and Instagram page.
This year's Decolonies Fest will be held at Signature Brew Haggerston in East London from September 11th to 13th.