Danson Festival 2008
5 & 6 July
News
Supporting Heroes and meeting Legends
 It’s
amazing who you can bump into at the Danson Festival. On Sunday afternoon,
football legends - Ron "Chopper" Harris and Peter Bonetti will
be making personal appearances at the 60mins TV stand. Harris is
widely regarded as one of the toughest defenders of
his era - along with players such as Tommy Smith and Norman
Hunter. He finally left Chelsea in 1980 to become a player-coach at Brentford,
having played a record 795 games for the club. He later had a brief stint as
player-manager of Aldershot. Bonetti
was known for his safe handling, lightning reflexes and his graceful style,
for which he was given the nickname, "The
Cat". He was one of several goalkeepers (Gordon
West of Everton was
another) who specialised in a one-armed throw which could achieve a similar
distance to a drop kick.
At 2.30 Sunday on the main stage, listen out for and give a big cheer to
Keith Kingham , who will be climbing the UK’s 3 highest mountains in
August. After a quick breather, Keith will be singing an appropriate song
on reaching each summit – all to raise money for the British Limbless
Ex -Servicemen’s
Association. As Keith says "Although I love singing, I'm certainly
no mountaineer... this will be quite a challenge for me! Being an Ex-Paratrooper,
and with my grandfather losing a limb in WW1, this charity holds a special
place in my heart"
Further details are available at  www.blesma.org and www.singoutforwoundedwarriors.com
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Main Stage at Danson Festival is the biggest show of the year for a lot of musicians. Listen out for some great local talent - all tastes catered for!
 Monday Street area hugely talented, young 5 piece band hailing from Bexleyheath
and Sidcup. They only became a full band in Jan 2008 yet have supported major
names like BabyShambles for The Teenage Cancer Trust and played some of the
UK’s biggest universities, ZOO8, Radio 1 Fringe Festival and Sellindge
festival. Their track 'Echoes' is soon to be featured on the soundtrack
for 'Pro Evolution Soccer Winning 11'.
The Doctors have sold their soul to the blues. Drawing on strong
influences from Dr Feelgood and Nine Below Zero, The Doctors play their blues
at full-tilt. Mixing well known songs with a few surprises. All
seasoned with mean harp and guitar, spiced with a hot rhythm
section, this is the blues served hot with no side salad and no nonsense. Enjoy!
Slashed Seat Affair provide powerful vocals, showers of almighty drumming,
walls of thumping bass and riff driven melodies. This is the perfect sound
track for your summer of Festivals. Danson Festival - are you ready to have
a 'Slashed Seat Affair'?
The Lovespuds are a six piece 'ska/punk' outfit including trombone and trumpet.
They hail from the Bexley Borough area and have been marauding around for
the past 3 years. Consisting of Matt (vocals), Batey (guitar, vocals), James
(drums), Andy (trombone), Sam (trumpet) and Ramy (bass), The Lovespuds pride
themselves on their energetic live performances, catchy tunes, and their ability
tobring a smile to your face! If you don't believe us, then you should
catch up with the ever growing stable of fans that is The Spud Army and ask them!!
On the main stage between 10-11.15am on Sunday, the Bexley Churches come
together for their annual Festival of Faith – this year entitled HOPE 08. People
of all faiths are welcome to join in with this joyous celebration.
That’s just a little hint of what you can see and hear... Return to top of page
Look out for the Arena at the Danson Festival, it is a new part of the show which has its roots in the 1970s
The Danson Festival started out life as the Bexley
Show which had its roots in the great traditions of the Kent agricultural
events – so
there were a lot more tractors involved in those days. Times change though,
but we thought it would be good to remember those days and introduce a new
part of the Festival called the Arena – a few traditional favourites
with an up to date twist.
 "Lil’s Street Theatre" will be dressed in their Wizard
of Oz costumes, complete with Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow. Having ‘lost
their Dorothy’ they will be searching high and low amongst Danson’s
crowd, surprising unsuspecting passers by, as they break into hilarious
renditions of ‘If I Only had a Brain’ and Tin Man’s/Cilla
Black’s ‘Anyone who had a heart" Listen out for the Bee
Gees classic ‘Stayin Alive’ with full dance routine - audience
participation is required!
Visitors who have stars in their eyes will love "The Film Directors" .Watch
out for their mini film crew and over the top Director who will be trying to
get footage and interviews with "celebrities" arriving at the event.
But be warned only a passing resemblance to someone famous will be required
to start a media frenzy.
Guide Dogs for the Blind will be bringing "Puppy Love" to the Arena
area. Meet the puppies and Guide Dogs and hear all about their work
and training. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the fantastic
work done by this wonderful organisation and what they do but and most of all
- to have fun! Visit their stand and meet these four legged heroes.
Xtreme Falconry’s Bird of Prey displays are run by experienced and
professional falconers with a passion for the birds that will thrill the audience.
Xtreme falconry pride themselves on bird of prey flying displays that are educational
without being boring combined with lots of crowd interaction and participation,
The birds are flown to demonstrate their outstanding natural abilities during
which time the audience will observe the awesome power of the Eagles, cute and
cuddly owls, and falcons swooping past at 150mph! During the static display the
falconers are on hand for questions and close-ups of the birds. "Talisman" The
Bateleur Eagle, "Yoda" The Barn Owl, "Crystal" The
Peregrine Falcon, the unforgettable "Damien" The Griffon Vulture
and the rest of the team look forward to meeting you!
There’s loads more to look out for in the Arena including a Punch and Judy
show - listen out for announcements – that’s the way to do it! Return to top of page
Adventures of a solo walker and how to stay healthy
Bexley’s Library Services are delighted to be attending
this year’s
Festival and will be featuring one of their mobile library vehicles,
where you can join the local service, which is still one
of the greatest bargains available in this country. There will also
be story times, craft activities, colouring displays, internet
access, booksales and even a Sherlock
Holmes talk about crime on Saturday
 Danson Festival is particularly delighted to welcome Fran Sandham who has
just published "Traversa" about his epic African adventures.
Fran was an editor at Rough Guides for several years having previously worked
in bookselling and in the voluntary sector. He has travelled to over forty
countries, and now lives in London, dividing his time between freelance writing,
editing and public speaking.
Bexley Library Service is proud to welcome him to the Borough’s largest
event, and hope that lots of people will come to hear him speak about his travels
across the world, and his latest book, which recalls his adventures on his
solo walk across Africa from the Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean.
Fran Sandham will be appearing at the Danson Festival on Sunday 6th July at
2pm in the Library Marquee.
With health becoming an increasingly important issue in everyday life, the
Festival is bringing together local experts to talk about what you can do to
keep your family safe and healthy. As the NHS celebrates its 60th birthday
on 5 July, Bexley's NHS services will be getting together at the Danson Festival
to talk to visitors about how they are improving health services in the
Borough. Whether patients visit their local GP surgery or hospital, receive
care in their own home, or attend clinics and support groups, patients can
be confident that the NHS is working hard to provide quality services, closer
to home.
Be sure to visit the NHS Bexley marquee to find out more about: healthy eating
at home and in hospital with Queen Mary's volunteer feeding programme .How
specialist nursing care can help you stay out of hospital with our Virtual
Wards, Step-up Step down unit and a Bridging Team. How we're tackling infection
together, in hospital and the community. Get support to help you stop smoking.
On top of all that you can celebrate NHS 60 by writing a birthday card telling
us about your experiences, and entering our free prize draw.
You never know, if you look after yourself, it could be you who is travelling
the world in the next few years. Return to top of page
Get involved in the Danson Festival Sports Zone
- no excuses!
There are very few free events that have such a big sporting content as
the Danson Festival. You can watch other people working hard, admire their
skills, have a go yourself or take up a completely new interest. There is
really no excuse for not getting involved!
Bexley Fencing Club will be hosting ‘Duel in the Park’,
a mixed team competition that will see teams from Blackheath, Gravesend and
Southampton join their hosts on Saturday and draw sabres to engage in this
noble art. Although competitive, the aim is more fun than ferocious as festival-goers
will be invited to watch and have a go themselves. The club will also be around
all day on Sunday for any budding fencers wishing to find out more about the
sport. For a slightly different exercise, Kemnal Table Tennis Club will
be hosting the Table Tennis marquee where you are invited to come along and
try your hand at this popular sport.
Although English interest in Euro 2008 may be a little limited, Charlton Athletics’ Community
Scheme Solutions are bringing their inflatable pitch and goal as well as a
host of goodies to tempt you back to the beautiful game. Welling United are
offering you the chance to put your footballing skills to the test. If you
think you have a hard shot, now’s the time to prove it with their speed
shot challenge. For those who favour panache over power there’s the keepie-uppie
challenge – but don’t be fooled into thinking it’ll be a
walk in the park, for this one you’ll be using a square ball.
 If you like your sport mixed with a little water, Bexley Sub Aqua are back,
offering the opportunity to experience some on-site scuba diving. On the lake
you’ll be delighted to find canoeing, hosted by Meridian Canoe Club,
and a range of water sports, delivered by the resident Danson Water sports
Centre team – so don’t forget to bring your towel!
The Sports Zone is also proud and delighted to welcome back the Official
Rugby Union Exhibition Unit complete with skills testing, inflatables, challenging
you to score a try on the bungee run, or kick a conversion through the inflatable
goal. The Rugby truck is laden with information about rugby as well as goodies
galore, and the Bexley Rugby Forum will be on hand to tell you about how to
get involved locally too.
In the Sports Marquee you will find a host of attractions and distractions.
These include: Erith Rowing Club offering the chance to row on land and race
your mates on the big screen; KBT Academy offering people the opportunity to
find out more or have-a-go at martial arts; Parkwood Leisure with the new Wii
Fit that combines fitness and fun and is designed for everyone – young
and old, an opportunity to get involved in a world record skipping attempt
plus masses of information on sports and physical activity opportunities across
Bexley.
One of the many highlights In the Sports Zone will be a fantastic display
of artwork by Bexley’s Day Centres for adults with learning difficulties – as
this year’s Festival falls on the same weekend as the British Grand Prix,
the centres have chosen Formula One as their theme are have created some sensational
pieces to show.
Out in the performance and have-a-go areas there will be plenty to get involved
in – from tennis to boccia, volleyball to gymnastics, rugby to aerobics
and badminton to martial arts.
As ever we extend massive thanks to all of the contributors to the sports
zone, many of whom give up their time for free to help in one of the most active
and thriving Zones the Festival has to offer.
These are just a few of the highlights of two days of fantastic, free, fun
family entertainment in London’s most beautiful park.
With so much going on, where else would you want to be?
If you would like to exhibit or trade at the Festival, please contact Nick
Williams on 0117 927 6614.
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A Rising Star, Crazy Boys and an Irish Super Group
This year, the Danson Festival will play host to
a rising star of the folk scene, a group of some of the finest Irish musicians
you’ll
ever hear and probably the weirdest but definitely most wonderful mix of
musical mayhem you’ll hear this year.
 Lisa Knapp has emerged as a highly distinctive artist from one of the most
creative and active underground music styles of recent times, the alternative
folk scene. She merges a radiant style of traditional folk and self-penned
song, with fiddle, hammer dulcimer, strings, banjo and sonic delights from
the technological age. Lisa was born and grew up in South London’s Tooting
area from where her musical development led her through drum and bass, teenage
raves, acid house and an electric guitar bought to learn Jimi Hendrix songs!
In early 2006 Lisa started to record tracks for her own debut album, ‘Wild
And Undaunted’ which takes the listener on an enlightening journey, giving
newcomers and traditionalists a real taste of where folk has come from, and
an insight into where it might be heading. Don’t just take our
word- have a look at what the press have been saying: ‘A
major discovery’ - Mojo, ‘Surely headed for great
things’ - The Guardian, ‘A new and vital member
of the folk scene, a rare talent with both voice and fiddle.’ - The
Sun.
 From over the Irish Sea, Danson Festival is delighted to welcome Edey Randall
Power who collectively represent a super group of Irish musicians – all
undoubtedly some of the hottest players on their chosen instruments in the
world today! Tim Edey features on melodeon, accordion, guitars, and backing
vocals. A onetime member of Lunasa, Sharon Shannon and the Wood Choppers, Tim
has toured and recorded with many of the biggest Irish acts in the world. Brendan
Power features on harmonica and vocals. The New Zealand based harmonica genius
and ex Riverdance soloist is regularly described as quite literally a God of
the Harmonica! Lucy Randall features on percussion, and is currently, without
doubt the hottest Bodhran player in the UK and Ireland Currently playing with
Seth Lakeman, Lucy has also found time to write and publish a unique book - "The
Goat Whackers Guide to Rhythm"
The
icing on this musical cake is provided by the slightly weird but very wonderful
Baghdaddies. With their blistering eastern brass harmonies and high-energy
rhythms, inspired by the Roma wedding and brass band music of the Balkans,
fused with eclectic musical influences ranging from calypso and jazz to punk.
The Baghdaddies are an experience not to be missed. They are equally at home
playing either on stage or on the street.
 ‘The band have a particular flair for the Balkans and capture its frenetic
energy and flamboyance wonderfully. There is also a fair share of klezmer,
jazz, ska and punk - an anarchic fusion where Ivo Papasov meets The Clash meets
The Beat’ [Songlines magazine]
These are just a few of the highlights of two days of fantastic, free, fun
family entertainment in London’s most beautiful park.
With so much going on, where else would you want to be?
If you would like to exhibit or trade at the Festival, please contact Nick
Williams on 0117 927 6614.
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Motown in the Park
 Two days of fantastic free family entertainment at this year’s
Danson Festival will be topped off by the sweet soul sounds of "The
Motown Show"
On stage at 5.30pm on Sunday - this is 100% LIVE with an 8 piece band, four
piece horn section and don’t forget all that fancy footwork, the choreography
of this act is something else! The show featuring classics from The Four Tops,
The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder is guaranteed
to have you dancing in the Park!
With "Suspiciously Elvis" on Saturday
night and the best of local bands, singers, dancers and musicians in between – this
year’s
Festival will provide a weekend of fun with something for all the family – no
matter what their taste is.
More than ever before, the Festival is celebrating
the best of local talent, on the Community Stage you will find jazz, guitar
and community singing, the Youth Zone will have performances from singers,
dancers, bands and rappers, all under 19 and all local, the Sports Zone
features displays from local clubs plus a chance to get involved – no excuses.
On the lake, you can cheer on the Dragon Boats racing to raise money for
the Anthony Nolan Trust or enjoy free sailing, windsurfing and canoeing sessions.
At the heart of the Festival is the vibrant and multi-cultural Arts Village,
which this year features fantastic performances on the hugely popular Dance
Stage. You’ll also find displays, workshops, art and craft activities,
walkabout theatre by local young people who have learnt theatre and street
art skills at the Street Arts Academy run by Emergency Exit Arts. On Sunday
the highlight of the weekend will be the opportunity to join the Earth Carnival
parade and theatre spectacular featuring a giant mechanical phoenix, puppets,
dance and Borough mascots. organised to kick start the Cultural Olympiad celebrations
in Bexley.
Not forgetting the Cultural Marquee, Classic Cars, Environmental Zone, Fairground,
Craft Fair, Garden Zone, tasty food, great bars, lots of shopping opportunities
and much, much more.
This year all our musicians and performers have been given the opportunity
of performing their version of one of 18 of the most famous film themes ever
heard – from Louis Armstrong to Underworld – expect the weird and
wonderful.
Danson Festival is one of the best family days out of the summer and with
free admission, there is no better place to be.
If you would like to exhibit or trade at the Festival, please contact Nick
Williams on 0117 927 6614.
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