Organised by the Scottish Socialist Party, Dundee will host Leftfest on Sunday 24 September
THIS WEEKEND, Dundee will host the first Leftfest, a new one-day festival of political radicalism, featuring music, arts performances and stalls from trade union, community and grassroots campaign groups.
Taking place at the Reading Rooms in Dundee from 12 noon-10pm, Leftfest has been launched and organised by the Scottish Socialist Party’s Dundee Branch.
The line-up for the first Leftfest includes the riot grrrl punk band Bratakus, queer hardcore punk band Gay Panic Defence and rock four-piece The Good Doctor.
Leftfest will also feature performances from singer and drag performer Thomas Turner, spoken word from Velma, and the urban poetry of Dundee local Mark Richardson.
“We’re very proud of our completely gender-balanced line-up.” Dundee SSP social/culture co-ordinator Gary Latto
Gary Latto, Dundee SSP’s social/culture co-ordinator, said: “Leftfest is an initiative launched by Dundee SSP earlier in the year that has since grown to include a number of local activists across the left in Dundee.
“The aim of Leftfest is to promote left-wing and socialist politics in a fun and social environment, and we’re very proud of our completely gender-balanced line-up of music, arts and performances.
“We’re bringing working class politics and culture together.” Dundee SSP social/culture co-ordinator Gary Latto
“We’re bringing working class politics and culture together in a way that’s open to everybody, with a diverse range of different performances on offer without guests needing to spend a penny.
“Leftfest is also a chance for supporting organisations to engage with people outside of an A-to-B march and rally environment, and for people to find out how they can get involved in political initiatives and the trade union movement.
“Leftfest is an ambitious project, and one that we hope will continue to grow and return as an annual event.”
Admission to Leftfest is free before 3pm. Following this, tickets will be either £6 (full price) or £3 (unwaged/student/etc.). According to organisers, all profits from the event are “set to be ringfenced for Leftfest’s hopeful return next year.”
Picture courtesy of Leftfest
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