Press Release

[Home]  [Index]   [Search]   [E-mail]

Southwark Jubilation - Sunday 2 June

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 28 May 2002

The rhythm of 500 African drums will reverberate as the Drum Café demonstrate their skills on the djembe drum on Sunday 2 June. They are part of “Southwark Jubilation”, happening throughout the day around Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral. They will run workshops for those wanting to have a go, and will also play during a Songs of Praise at 3 pm.

“Southwark Jubilation”, a “nearly spontaneous celebration” of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, is a co-operative event between the Cathedral, the Borough Market, the Bankside Residents Forum and the Wardens of St Saviours - who have contributed £5000.

A magician, hog roast, bouncy castle, dancing in the street, and loads of other entertainments will all be happening, and the now famous Borough Market catering stalls will be in full swing.

Another unusual contribution comes from the Cardboard Citizens drama group, featuring homeless people who are sponsored by the charity CRISIS.

The Dean, the Very Rev Colin Slee, says: “There’ll be a huge ethnic mix among the performers and also in the Songs of Praise. It will reflect London as a whole. It’s an event for all ages, designed to give everyone a fun day out. And after celebrating with 500 drums in the Cathedral, I think I’ll be appealing for a new roof!”

Among those contributing to the 3 pm service will be Richard Stilgoe, Olatokumo Bakare and Mark Rylance, Artistic Director of the Globe Theatre. Children from the Cathedral School will have a part to play, and the Gospel Choir of St Saviour’s and St Olave’s High School will sing a medley of Gospel songs.

For anyone seeking spiritual refreshment at other times, the Cathedral will be open all day, and there will be full choral Eucharist at 11 am and 6.30 pm.

Everyone is invited to join in ‘Southwark Jubilation’ featuring approximately 200 performers and attractions including:

• Cardboard Citizens

• Drum Café

• aladin-the-magician

• Bouncy castles

• Golden balloons

• Hog Roast

• Refreshments in the Borough Market, local pubs and the Cathedral Refectory

• Bell ringing and tours of the Cathedral Tower

• Actors from the Globe Theatre and from the National Theatre

• Human Statues

• Participation in Salsa and Latin American dancing

• Many street entertainers

• Madrigal singers

• Trumpeters and Big Bands

• …. and finally an opportunity to create your artistic record of the day in pencil or paint.

CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Rose Harding at Southwark Cathedral, 020-7367 6722.

Diocesan Communications Officer
Tel: 020-7939 9400
Mobile: 07831-694021
Fax: 020-7939 9468