UK Black Pride - Saturday 14th August 2010

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UK Black Pride - Saturday 14th August 2010

A DEEPER LOVE



ukbp_2010.jpgUK Black Pride 2010 - A Deeper Love

'I've found loving...' remember that song? Well I certainly felt it all around at UK Black Pride's 'A Deeper Love' festival this year.

Once again Regents Park in London was host and perfect venue  for the UKBP family of fun.

There seemed to be a smile on absolutely everyone's face. At one point I stopped, looked around and took a deep breath. I then drank in the fun-filled atmosphere.

I can't help mentioning the 'R' word but the silly rain didn't dampen our spirits. In fact it encouraged us all to huddle into the big dance tent and share more love, warmth and fun.

I was happy to see extra security measures in place. On arrival I was asked to step through one of those bleepy arch thingys, like at the airport. I walked through swiftly; no patting down, no grabbing and less queing - yay. And the security staff were smiley!

I lined my stomach immediately. The catering staff, who had grown in number this year, were on the ball and service was fast. I was dished an ample helping of rice, chicken, plantain and coleslaw - all for £6. Bargain, for a festival.

Then I turned around and saw the port-a-loos and my heart sank - but only momentarily. I was selfishly thinking how on earth was I going to properly re-apply my make-up in one of those! After 'having a word' with myself I came to the conclusion that my diva status should have been left at security on entry, to be picked up on my way out. Port-a-loos are a mandatory part of festival life I guess.
 
With that thought I skipped back to the dance tent and boogied with my all-time favourite DJs including Biggy C, Philly, Sensi, Nubian Soul and others to well, you know, R&B, soul, funk, tunes from way back to the present day.

  

I ventured back out on land once the 'R' had calmed down and headed across the field towards the main stage. It literally took me 20 minutes to walk those few yards. So many 'family' were present, old and new. It was wonderful. I hugged, laughed and chatted and waved and shook hands all the way to the other side. I mused, are we outgrowing our Regents Park home...?

I then parked myself, £3.50 glass of rose in hand, and smiled with pride at wonderful hosts such as Cyril Nri, Khadijahtou, Dean Atta, Skye and LB who introduced equally wonderful entertainers and representatives such as Diane Abbott and  Peter Tatchell.

Main acts such as Janet Kay and Lorna Gayle made me blow my whistle so hard that it stopped working! Good job I had two more at hand in my trusted pouch. Ooh, Janet and Lorna were excellent; took me right back to Lover's Rock land - great stuff!

I could have easily fancied Whitney Houston impersonator, Ikenna. Damn, how did he get his make up to look so perfect!

Funny man, Tony Hendriks, had my sides splitting and Cat Lewis was great on the guitar. The dancers, the rappers, everyone performed faultlessly.

9pm came around far too quickly for my liking. But off we trotted, on our best behaviour to get ready for more Deeper Love shenanigans at APT Club, hosted by Brandy & Co. What a fantastic night out in such a beautiful space!

Lady Phyll, Khi, Lila and the rest of the UKBP team...thank you. I feel a Deep sense of Pride and everlasting Love for you and all. Mwah until next year.