Programme for 30 May 2005

In addition to the many art stalls, cafes, community groups, informative demonstrations, and relaxing spaces, we also have entertainment for adults and kids. All this, and more, powered by pedal and sun!

Quick links to information in this section: World Music Stage, Mandala Stage, Ozone Stage, Speakers Forum, Sacred Dance Sacred Sound, Healing Area, Activities for Kids, Other Attractions.

A popup site map is available. You can also have a look at what we had on offer in 2003, 2004, and 2006, as well as our current programme.

World Music Stage

Takes in groups and influences from around the globe, hosted by Sleepy Ed Hicks, who through his playful Banjo antics brings together Old Time American songs, hard and fast Appalachian Dance Music and witty novelty numbers into a tight set that never fails to please.

• 12:30 - Kakatsitsi are a group of traditional drummers, dancers and singers from the Ga tribe of Southern Ghana, with their roots in the fishing community of Jamestown, the part of Accra where the British based their colonial headquarters. Their music takes traditional rhythms and chants from their own Ga tradition and those of a variety of other West African cultures, rearranging them in a modern and accessible way. They formed in 1991 and conducted an educational and research tour of Togo and Benin 1992. By introducing them to an activity such as African drumming, Kakatsitsi aim to enable young people to take a more active, participatory role in the production of local art and culture and so regenerate a stronger sense of meaning and purpose in life that many of them lack.
• 14:10 - Kangaroo Moon is Mark Robson's Australian band, featuring Elliet Mackrell (violin, guitar, vocals and percussion), Daffyd Secombe Williams (balalaika, bouzouki, guitar, percussion and vocals), Matthew Mutant Ledgar (congas, drums, dumbek, clothes peg and percussion) and of course Mark Robson (whistles, didgeridoo, keyboards, vocals and percussion). They weave many strands from world, rock, folk and dance, with acoustic and electronic influences into a funky, psychedelic, heart-lifting wall of sound. Trancy, richly melodic and dancey, listeners experience a sound which unites the body and soul in deep, joyful psychedelia and elemental dance. Their first album is titled "Bagpipes on the Beach" and is described as an exciting mixture of Australian and Celtic music performed by four of the finest musicians to come out of Australia.
• 15:50 - Pete Ardron's Orchid-Star is Pete's first live project since the last Glow gigs in 2000. Orchid-Star debuted at Planet Angel in February with Myo on vocals, Onyx Ashanti from SoulIISoul on wind-synth, Pierre Luigi on guitar and bass, Bagz & Jon Tubmen on percussion, Pete on keyboards and Diane Everitt dancing (also from Glow, like Myo and Bagz). The gig dispelled any of the doubts being voiced in some quarters about the sense of putting on a live act by a chill-out DJ in a dance room, as the room filled and the Orchid-Star kept them dancing for a solid no-gap 85 minute set.
• 17:30 - KGB is Gregg Kofi Brown's multi-national musical platform that speaks to many peoples across the world. Greg has been member of world class African pioneers Osibisa for over 22 years and has travelled the world promoting the music of Ghana. As an actor/singer Gregg Brown has appeared in several hit London Westend musicals including: Tommy, The Blues Brothers, The Buddy Holly Story and portrayed Jellyroll Morton at the Royal Court Theatre. Since joining Osibisa he has record and toured with many African and Caribbean artists such as Youssou Ndour (Senegal), George Lee (Ghana), Marta Ulaeto (Nigeria), Abdel Kabir (Gambia), Ekome' (Ghana/Jamaica), Chaka Demus & Pliers (Jamaica) and Benjamin Zephania (Jamaica). Gregg's first solo album, Together as One, features Sting, Stanley Jordan, Gabrielle, Des'ree & Billy Cobham. This album is a combination of the African & jazz music that have driven Gregg's career, with conscience laden lyrics and funky afro-rhythms.
• 19:00 - Panacea formed in 2002 and have been gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting new bands in the South West. The act use live bagpipes, harmonium, bouzouki, percussion and bass combined with sequencers and drum loops. This creates an exciting new crossover of sounds with evocative melodies, interweaving harmonies and engaging rhythms.

Mandala Stage

For more than 10 years, 24th Century Productions have contributed bands and stagecraft to projects which have ranged from running stages at urban free festivals to organizing performance rooms at multimedia events. Their wonderful Mandala Stage incorporates Dr. Barnett's Amazing Audio-Cyclonator (a bicycle-powered sound system).

• 12:00 - Tony Voller is a singer-songwriter with a history stretching back to the 80's and 90's, when he was a founder of bands Covenant and Groundswell, with whose members he still collaborates today. Accompanying himself on an acoustic guitar, he sings self-penned bitter-sweet songs of love & loss, as well as sliding in a few covers, such as He'd Be A Diamond by The Bevis Frond.
• 12:45 - Davide Sanna combines styles that echo traditional folk roots mixed with his innovative approach to playing the guitar and composing. Such unusual upbringings lead to a music that cannot easily be labelled. Acoustic Folk Roots maybe serves the purpose, although the variety of styles in Davide's music drifts from Folk to Mediterranean to Jazzy flavours, across countries and genres. A song like "3 Months of Rain" starts almost as a Delta Blues (probably some dry Sardinian river delta), with touches of sitar sounding guitars (Indian Classical music is a great love of Davide's), to finish off in some Middle Eastern bazaar.
• 13:45 - MASK is a new collaborative project featuring Ambient cellist / violinist / producer, Marvin Ayres and cult icon / singer, Sonja Kristina (Curved Air). Recording and performing experimental voice and strings Soundscapes, MASK mix extemporisation with structured songs and beats, fusing elements of ambient / electronica, trance and classical music to breathtaking and original effect.
• 14:50 - Semble are Stephen James, Beth Perry and Matthew Kelly. They play songs accompanied by acoustic/electric guitars, cello, violin, keyboards, percussion, drums, marimba, bass guitar, flute and various electronics. This allows Semble to create a diverse and contrasting sound, especially in live performances where individual members can often play two or more instruments per song. All three are classically trained but their influences range from folk to electronic music, in particular Joni Mitchell, Aphex Twin, Radiohead and Steve Reich. In 2003 Semble played over 80 gigs including a sell-out gig at the Borderline, 12 bar, Bush Hall & Manchester Cathedral and at festivals including Glastonbury, Earth Spirit and Big Green Gathering.
• 16:00 - Tony Heiberg Quartet. Virtuoso guitarist and composer Tony Heiberg has played jazz and classical gigs all over the world and jammed with Carlos Santana, John Abercrombie and Ralph Towner. The quartet play a mixture of jazz, classical, original and world music.
• 17:15 - The Memory Band. Featuring violins, harmoniums, guitars and whatever else is to hand The Memory Band perform pieces written and arranged by Stephen Cracknell. Recently perceived as some new movement in folk music, The Memory Band travel beyond what most people would consider "folk". Like New York cellist and composer, Arthur Russell, whose "This is How We Walk on the Moon" they recorded for their debut album, the band defy simple categorisation. They mix instrumentals and vocal harmony tracks in both old and new forms, with plenty of singing and dancing on a Sunday and a strong ear for a tune. The entire body of music, from ancient to modern, is regarded as fair game for plundering, reshaping and enjoying.
• 18:30 - The Fingersmiths were born in autumn 2004 out of Jonathan Potts and Mike Trim's shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of acoustic and folk music. The Fingersmith's repertoire is a weaving of original and traditional songs with fiery Celtic and Balkan sets, haunting airs and self penned contemporary tunes. With the addition of the third fingersmith, master percussionist Tim Short, they can whip up a storm in a concert or on the dance floor.
• 19:30 - The Pyramids of SNAFU are an established festival rock band combining violin, guitar and keyboards to create a high energy yet melodic sound. The Pyramids will be joined by surprise special guests from a previous incarnation of the band.

Ozone Stage

Based in a fabulous marquee, technical wizards Coltech bring the finest in renewable DIY sound equipment for benefit of our ears.

• 12:00 - The Albions, a mystery act to warm things up.
• 13:00 - Silverspace began jamming at the very beginning of 2000... Hence it's not quite blatant hype when we call ourselves "the" hippy trippy jam band for the 21st century! Fusing together elements of each musicians influences, from Trance to Space-Rock to Dub-Funk and beyond, the SilverSpace Sound is a psychedelic melting-pot of free-spirited improvisation blended into a unique set of tunes around which our live set and recordings are based.
• 14:15 - Bruise, the London based duo, are Isobel Morris and Jim Kimberley. They've clawed their way round Britain and the US for the last four years, nurtured by small venues, small festivals and open minded radio stations, and finally the world seems to have caught up with the big, angry, beauty they promote. Sounds of the city that sticks in your throat, wide open musical landscapes that crash through your rib cage like a fist.
• 15:30 - DD Simon & The Divine. So what do you get when folk-n-roots meet rock? Apocalyptic rock of course! Definition: Enigmatic drum rolls, sleazy haunting riffs coinciding with flirty guitar work. Underline that with restless bass and feverish flute and just when you least expect it...the rap. The journey takes you through sultry overtones of post indie, from acid funk rhythms and folk melodies to rootical baselines and surprising outbursts of pure rock. Expect the unexpected!
• 16:45 - Horizon 22 are a Jazz/blues quartet who play a rich blend of Blue Note covers, film and TV themes, and their own Blue Note-inspired instrumentals. DJ Craig Charles has regularly played tracks from the Horizon 22 album on his BBC 6 Music show, Time Out have described them as an "excellent Hammond-led outfit", while What Hi-Fi magazine made the band's album one of its CDs of the month. Horizon 22 formed in 1998 and feature Paul Strange (Hammond organ/piano), Martin Slade (guitar), Shura Greenberg (double bass) and Nik Downing (drums). They regularly gig across London, and have appeared at the Jazz Cafe, the Spitz, the Spice of Life, the 333 Club and Hushgroove in Hampton Court.
• 18:00 - Smashing Time make a splendid noise. Funky Hammond, rocking guitar action with no nonsense harmonica violence and ex Grange Hill star at the mic. Topped off with hornophonics brass section this is a class act. With a set of instantly memorable pop songs owing much to the classic bands of the 60's, this London group quickly gained a reputation as a hardworking, well rehearsed outfit.
• 19:00 - Green Ray are: Richard Treece (Lead Guitars), Ken Whaley (Bass and vocals), Simon Whaley (Drums, vocals and guitar) and Simon Haspeck (Guitar and Vocals). The band continues to gig, having recently supported The Electric Prunes and Man, plus playing its own gigs. Although compared to West Coast U.S. music, The Green Ray's influences incorporate Blues, Jazz, Folk, Soul, Punk, Movies, Sci-Fi, Uncle Tom Cobley and Eastern Music. But more important than that, they just love to play.

Speakers Forum

In the current global upheavals, the Speakers Forum is essential in the facilitating dialogue between disparate groups.

• 13:00 - Jean Vidler, co-founder of Kingston Green Fair, will speak about Green Futures.
• 14:00 - Catherine Beathan will speak on the work of Kingston Refugee Action.
• 15:00 - Nick Long, Green parliamentary candidate for Lewisham West, will talk about living streets and reclaiming community spaces.
• 16:00 - Milan Rai of Justice Not Vengeance, and Jim Addington of Kingston Peace Council will talk about the war on terror and Iraq post 911.
• 17:30 - Andy Worthington, author of Stonehenge: Celebration and Subversion, will commemorate the 20th anniversary of The Battle of the Beanfield.

Sacred Dance, Sacred Sound

This peaceful ambient area will weave together various forms of music, dance and song to celebrate the sacred aspects of contemporary living.

• 12:00 - Opening ceremony. A traditional Native American blessing to the four directions given by world renowned sound healer Tim Wheater. Tim will be performing music throughout the day with fresh melodic interpretations of traditional Sanskrit mantra, native American flutes, Irish whistles and native drum.
• 12:30 - Voice chanting workshop by Tim Wheater. 'Nada Brahma the world is sound' a simple workshop opening the voice with sacred mantra, which will revive your spirit and relax your soul.
• 13:45 - The sacred art of belly dance. Performance and workshop by Solaris Kantaris, who invites you to join in her workshop to celebrate your own inner goddess (men are welcome too!). Solaris is an acclaimed healer and trainer / performer of Raqs Sharqui (belly dance).
• 15:00 - South Indian Music Orchestra. Kingston Global Arts presents classical Indian music performed by the Kingston Tamil School using ancient traditional instruments made in India - bamboo flute, miribangam (percussion), violin, and tabla.
• 15:30 - Bharatha Natyam. Classical Indian dance performed by the Kingston Tamil School depicting various gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion.
• 16:00 - Invisible Journeys. Performance from Tim Wheater's latest album; an uplifting chill out session with his partner Natalie, a beautiful fusion of male and female voices, performing fresh melodic interpretations of traditional Sanskrit mantra.
• 16:45 - Chakra dancing performance by Elizabeth Whiter, a professional healer, nutritionalist, kinesiologist, creator of chakra rebalancing music, and founder of Chakra Dancing.
• 17:20 - Sacred Gong demonstration by Olaf Nixon, creating a field of sound to calm the most active of minds inducing a state of bliss so your body remembers a time of perfection.
• 17:45 - Chakra dancing workshop by Elizabeth Whiter, a guided dance for the body including Tai Chi, Yoga and freeform dancing (all ages welcome).
• 19:00 - Ghawazee Gypsy Dance performed by Anji Jackson-Main with her family of dancers and musicians. This dance is part of an Indo-European tradition originally carried from India from the mIddle East and then to Europe by migrating gypsy tribes.
• 19:45 - Closing ceremony by Olaf Nixon using the Sacred Gong and other ancient instruments.

Healing Area

• Eden People, a local Guilford Group, will be bringing their comfy cushions, art material, soul sights, foot washing, destiny direction, and Christo-centric healing hands and words to the Healing Field. An eclectic mix of creativity, justice, environment and spirituality.
• Reiki Master Jane Raworth will be offering traditional Usui Reiki. If you want to experience or learn this art, please come along. Jane will also practices Emotional Freedom Technique to release mental and emotional trauma using acupressure points whilst the client focuses on their problem.
• Nicky Rice will be practicing Gaia Healing, a branch of Reiki that channels the purest of healing energies from our Mother Earth, enabling the consciousness of mankind to be raised by clearing our own stuck or misqualified energy.
• Inner Sound sound therapy CD's will be on sale to stimulate the hearing mechanism and cranial bones with the intention of creating well-being, relaxation, and personal development.
• Mooch With The Fairies will be selling, and giving workshop on making, fair wings and wands in their beautiful yurt.
• Something Angelic will be selling Angelic things, and providing readings of Angel cards.
• Diamond Water is spring water which has had its vibrational rate accelerated, making it available to respond to the drinker's intentions. It will be given away for free - bring an empty container and ask for Maggie!
• Pyramid of Infinite Possibility - a freeform space with the opportunity to experience healing through creative use of sound and imagination.
• There will be a Wish Tree in the centre of the healing field - write your wishes on the "leaves" and let them be carried through the universe by the wind.
• Practitioners from the Kingston Natural Healing Centre will be in the pavilion.
• Holistic therapists offering a diverse range of experiences including tarot readers, crystal healing, Kinesiology, rebirthing, astrology, thai massage, Chiropractic, the White Butterfly healing tipi, Blue Magpie jewellery and crystals, Matter of Energy crystals and healing (hand crafted healing products), Shakti Gem Art (crystal jewellery).
• Campaigning organisations in the Healing Area include The National Federation of Spiritual Healer, The Gandhi Foundation, Meditation UK, St Pauls & the Community Church, Sera Books, Seva Community Projects.

Activities For Kids

There are plenty of attractions all over the site that will be of interest to families and children alike. Entertainment, Creativity and plenty of Environmental Education will be found in all the areas. We also have some very special spaces just for kids.

• Parachute Theatre Company - regulars at the Fair, ever popular and puppeteering superstars!
• Theatre Des Bicyclettes - comedy and clowning from Robbo the Clown and Jetset Jackie.
• Maxifire the itinerant juggler extarordinaire, fresh from travelling the world performing sensational street shows.
• PeteZa multi skilled children's entertainer... festival favourite.
• Furry Foot a clown of some in-distinction... a children's favourite.
• Surrey Strings will be providing musical workshops using recycled instruments.
• Jan's Blackboard Van - unique and creative graffiti galore.
• Crafts and dressing up ready for the parade - bird and animal masks... recycling and crafty - provided by Larks Crafts and Spam's Fun Fest
• Circus skills workshop have a go activities provided Brighton based Trickswop.
• Flippin' bouncy Kids - acrobatics & trampete workshops from Yogo and Maria of Brighton's Crowzone team.
• London's Lets Face It team will be painting faces beautifully.
• Nick Mercer's Campaign for Real Events are bringing their stash of bicycle generators and activities for children to power up on and burn off the excess energy!
• The Druid Network will be providing cycle power for the tents PA.
• Meet the Dragons on Parade... there's "Elsie the Giant Black" and possibly "Snarg the Blue Ice dragon" if a cheeky bouncy Imp doesn't arrive instead!
• Last and not least there will be all the fun of the fair with various rides and attractions scattered around, and there's the unmissable the Kids Talent Show!!!

Other Attractions

• Every year the goal of the KGF site decor team is to enhance the beauty of the natural environment in Canbury Gardens. Working with our own artistic influences and this years theme - 10 Ways To Save The Planet - we have re-used and recycled materials to create a magical and inspiring space. Our team grow and we now collaborate with more local artists who have contributed their thoughts and ideas to create murals and objet d'art. Thanks to our dedicated team and sponsors, whose time, work, materials and effort have helped make this KGF the best yet!
• New this year is The Grand Travelling Insect Circus Museum offering oddities such as the intrepid Wasp Tamer, Worm Charmer and Dancing Snails!
• The utterly gravity defying Mystic Swing; a two minute mind melting journey into a frankly incredible sensation of disorientation.
• A working forge where fire, metal and force meld to form art and function.
• Save The World Club's award-winning mosaic workshops - come and learn how to make art from recycled tiles.
• Rhythms of Resistance - one of the UK's finest Afro Bloc / Samba bands - will be on walk about, drumming to the spirit of peaceful demonstration.
• Professor Kayoss will be touring on his wacky bicycle-powered contraptions. There will also be a static exhibition of great vintage bicycles.
• Liquid Records and friends will be transforming the bandstand area into a beautiful Mayan inspired intergalactic Temple of Peace, from whence sounds of ambient electronic dance music shall emanate.
• Swarm and Schnews provide info / bookstall and tent-based crafts and activities.
• Heatham House in Richmond is one of the busiest youth centres in the country, with over 2,500 members in the 14-19 age group. The centre offers a range of activities to young people in their leisure time, and will be showcasing some of their music and dance talents.
• GoinGreen will be showing off the G-Wiz, the leanest, greenest, coolest car on the UK's streets. It runs on electricity costing just 1 pence per mile and furthermore, the emissions from its manufacture and use are offset by Climate Care.
• ScootElectric will be exhibiting a range of electric scooters - the clean, quiet and smart new way to move around towns and cities. Easy to ride, easy to live with and the feelgood bonus of zero emissions, the equivalent of about 1,500 mpg, and exemption from road tax and congestion charge.
• Eco-artist Heashin Kwak will exhibit interactive installation art. This progress based sculpture will be created and grown according to the public participation. The project is not only about raising the awareness of the issues, it is about taking action and encouraging everyone to do their bit... bring along some rubbish to be part of this exciting eco-art event!... great fun for children and promotes learning about polluted planet earth.
• The Green Police will be patrolling to ensure we keep the Fair litter-free and fun!
• Rainbow Wishing Well - a stained glass sculpture made by students of Simone Kay's adult education class at King Charles Centre, Surbiton as a group project. Throw in a coin and make a wish! Donations will be going to Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and The World Development Movement.