Press Release

respect festival to showcase Asian culture with mela tent
12-4-2002   182

As London's Sikh community celebrates the new year festival of Vaisakhi, Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, has announced plans for a mela tent at this year's respect festival in July.

Speaking about the new addition to the anti-racist festival, which attracted 60,000 people last year, the Mayor said:

'Culture is an important way for London's different communities to learn to understand each other better, which is what the respect festival is all about. respect is for all Londoners and I hope the mela tent will encourage people from Asian communities to come along, as well as being an opportunity for other Londoners to enjoy some of what Asian culture has to offer.

'The Sikh faith places great emphasis on the principles of equality, social justice, tolerance and respect for other culture and faiths. These are all values that are vital to the development of London as a world city, so I hope to see many of you taking a stand for tolerance and equality at respect this July'

The Mayor also praised the role of the Sikh community in the life of the capital:

'London's Sikh community has made an enormous contribution to our city, its economic life, its public services and the cultural diversity that make the capital such an exciting place to be. I wish the Sikh community of London a happy Vaisakhi and every success for the coming year.'

Notes to Editors

1. This year's respect festival will take place on Saturday 20 July 2002 in Victoria Park, London E2. Admission will be free.
   respect is organised by the Mayor, with the National Assembly Against Racism, TUC and SERTUC and highlights the Mayor's commitment to celebrating London's diversity and opposing racism.
2. Last year's festival was attended by around 60,000 people and featured Run DMC, Courtney Pine, Brit award winners Blue and Brit nominees Mis-Teeq, plus dance, world music and comedy tent, and children's activities.
3. More information is available from 020 7983 6554, info@respectfestival.org.uk , or by visiting the official website at www.respectfestival.org.uk.

Further details are available from: Ben McKnight on 020 7983 4071\ 07881 501 920, Catherine Mattison on 020-7983 4020\ 07957 340 795 or Rebecca Miller on 020 7983 4068\ 07810 756 170
For non-media enquiries please call the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100
For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000

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