Attracting fans and artists alike the festival celebrates all things Ska, from it’s roots in rhythm & blues, calypso and mento, through it’s Jamaican ska originators, rocksteady, reggae, dub and it’s migration around the world in the form of 2 Tone, ska-punk and beyond.
The London Intl Ska Festival 2016 edition once again boasts world exclusives, Thames Cruises, film, art, sound systems and over 50 bands and DJs. Headliners are Jamaica legends URoy, Bob Andy (JA’s greatest living songwriter), Carlton & The Shoes (responsible for arguably the great ever rocksteady album Love Me Forever), ska pioneer Stranger Cole (who was there at the very start) and Freddie Notes. From the UK, guests can look forward to 2 Tone icons The Beat, Bad Manners (celebrating their 40th anniversary) and Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers/Special AKA), plus Dennis Bovell, Pama International (returning after seven years), The Skints, Don Letts, Hollie Cook, plus bands from all over the globe.
In addition to all the live and sound system/club night and record fair events, which take place at The Garage, 20-22 Highbury Corner, London N5, Modfather Clothing Co (Camden) and The Dixie Queen paddle steamer, the festival will be opening a record shop in the Garage’s front bar, which will feature artist signings and be free to the public for the duration of the festival (open from 2pm).
For the full low-down and to purchase tickets, visit www.londoninternationalskafestival.co.uk
