The London International Ska Festival is back. Twenty-three years after the first edition, held in 1988, the event is scheduled again for April 2011. The organisers' avowed aim: to create a regular annual gathering celebrating ska, its Jamaican pioneers and its international heirs, with representatives from Italy, France and even Japan!
On the programme, four days of festivities with, among others, Ken Boothe, Bob Andy & Marcia Griffiths (reunited as in the good old days of Young Gifted & Black) and Dave & Ansell Collins: the authors of the famous Double Barrel will be reunited for the first time since the 1970s and will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their hit. A final headliner is still to be announced, but we also know that The Trojans, Dub Pistols, James Hunter, The Loafers, Hotknives, The Beat (with Dave Wakeling) and The Ska Flames will be taking part...
Finally, on the DJ side, you will find Clive Chin (Randy's), Lynval Golding (The Specials), Mark Lamarr and the Dub Vendor All Stars. In all, 37 bands and DJs from 11 different countries.
Full programme on the festival's official website.