Land of Kings to champion Hackney’s spirit
Land of Kings Festival 2013. Picture: Dan Medhurst - Credit: Archant
With a variety of acts, from cabaret to world renowned DJs, Land of Kings festival in Dalston gives you more bang for your buck, says Ralph Blackburn.
The single day and night event is spread across art spaces in Dalston, on bank holiday Sunday, at a cost of just £30.
Founder and organiser Nick Griffiths explains how Hackney’s blossoming art scene inspired the festival back in 2009.
“It started quite organically,” he says. “I was putting on parties for PR agencies and my business partner, Connie Harrison, came up with the festival idea.
“We thought of people we knew who were moving to the area and it became clear there were a lot of interesting art spaces.”
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Griffiths, 32, of Amhurst Road, says the first edition of the festival in 2009 was all about representing local artists.
“It is a theme we have tried to keep true to, this year we have people like Bugged Out who are internationally renowned acts, but they are still from the local area.”
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Despite the raft of good bands and DJs, the organiser has always thought Land of Kings is more than just a music festival.
He says: “We are trying to showcase all the different themes of the area.
“If people want to see it as a music festival then go ahead, but from a personal point of view, it is nice to have acts that are slightly different.”
What are Griffiths’ top picks?
“At the Arcola Theatre there will be some cabaret by Land of Queens, that will be pretty fun and on the music side of things I’d recommend Deep Throat, an all girl choir.”
Land of Kings takes place on Sunday May 3. For tickets, visit www.wegottickets.com/landofkings/f/8778
