So there I was, standing in the middle of a crowded park; camera in one hand, notebook in another, wondering how I could capture the amazing scene before me. People of all ages, races and backgrounds had gathered together to promote the same basic philosophy: Love Music, Hate Racism. The very name of the event itself signified its purpose: to promote anti-racism through music, to celebrate racial diversity, and more importantly, to oppose fascist groups such as the BNP. The event has been held annually since 2002, however having never been to one in the past I didn’t know what to expect.

It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, my sneakers covered in mud as I walked through Victoria Park in London. I headed towards the centre stage, where through the day, I watched excellent performances from the likes of Jay Sean, Hard-Fi and Roll Deep. To my surprise, each snap I eventually captured on film held its own story of the carnival, from people bopping their heads along to various genres of music, to stalls promoting their own particular issues to raise awareness of problems in our society. However, one key highlight without a doubt had to be the ‘free hugs’. And yes readers, this can be taken quite literally, hugs- that- were- free.

I was pleasantly surprised to watch people embrace complete strangers with real emotion, even if only for a brief moment. There was a real buzz and energy in the air as more and more people gathered around them. I decided this was one scene I definitely had to capture, and people being people were only to happy to pose for shots. I got talking to one of the ‘free huggers’, questioning this strange yet intriguing concept. I was told it was something that hadn’t been tested until this event, a means to simply ’spread the love’, and quite frankly it was working! Certainly there were some onlookers that thought it was completely bananas, but the majority were quite happy to have a little cuddle.

One such onlooker and I decided to test out the concept ourselves and created our own makeshift banners. Soon I found myself shouting ‘free hugs’ at the top of my voice to all and sundry as though I were selling fruit and veg at Borough market; it was quite a scene! Not only were more and more people feeling the love (so to speak), but groups of people drawn in to the frenzy were now making their own banners too, offering free hugs to other festival goers. It was a strange yet very energetic moment, which really emphasised and encompassed the foundation of the festival: bringing people together and letting go of all inhabitations, overlooking differences in race, age and background. The carnival was a great success overall; everyone had their own purpose there, whether it was to promote particular ideas, listen to the funky music while having fun, or to indulge in a free hug! All in all a great day out and a bonus to have the pleasure of receiving so many wonderful hugs. I look forward to next year’s event which I have no doubt will be just as beneficial and like this one, thoroughly enjoyable. Free hugs all round everyone!

(3 votes. Average: 4.33 out of 5)