Darren Hayman
The largest and most eclectic music festival ever hosted at Fulham Palace is just a week away. And we have free tickets to give away!
The inaugural Caught by the River Thames festival arrives in SW6 next weekend (6-7 August) and is bringing a bevy of musical talent, from psychedelic Welsh rockers Super Furry Animals to Ethiopian jazz legend Mulatu Astatke.
Another musician playing that should need no introduction to local art-lovers is Darren Hayman (pictured above). In a nod to Hammersmith’s Arts & Crafts legend William Morris he re-cast and recorded his incendiary pamphlet Chants for Socialists last year on West Kensington-based label wiaiwya. On Sunday, Hayman will present songs from his new album, Thankful Villages. But ask him nicely and he might just offer up a chant...
However, it’s not all about music. The spoken word also plays a big part and across all the stages of the festival there will be talks and readings.
Leading the speakers are Kate Tempest (in conversation with Miranda Sawyer and reading from her forthcoming debut novel) and one of the UK’s best-loved naturalists, BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham.
Joining them will be many of Caught by the River’s regular contributors including author Amy Liptrot (reading from her hugely-acclaimed debut The Outrun); activist and author of The Wake, Paul Kingsnorth, and impressive audio-historians London Sound Survey.
Meanwhile, the independent London-based publisher Faber & Faber will be presenting their own programme in the Faber Poetry Chapel. Florence and Virginia Astley will play rare live performances alongside readings from Will Burns, Martha Sprackland, Patrick McGuinness, Helen Mort and a selection of Faber New Poets and friends.
