This Is North Devon
07:00 - 28-August-2008
THE Save Our World (SoW) charity is putting on the most exciting, fun-packed festival at Tapeley Park, Instow, this coming weekend to date.
In addition to some of the best bands (both local and from away), there will be therapists to meet and consult, children's entertainment – and Mark Thomas, stand-up legend of Channel 4 fame.
Thomas, a leading activist, will be the main speaker this weekend. On Saturday he proposes to do an updated exposé of Coca-Cola, with much new material, and on the Sunday he'll speak about his hilarious (but serious) exposé of the Arms Trade – his two favourite targets.
Thomas will be talking between 2pm to 3pm, in the large marquee if wet and on the tea room lawn if dry and sunny.
Get a preview of Thomas' forthcoming book Belching Out the Devil, which takes a close look at the practices of the Coca-Cola Corporation. A long-time critic of the company Thomas recently presented a Dispatches programme on the subject for Channel 4.
Expect a unique combination of his humour while tackling serious allegations of environmental crimes, human rights violations and the questionable business practices.
Thomas built a reputation for himself carrying out audacious stunts, getting Indonesian army chiefs to admit war crimes on TV, organising a mini festival of immigrant culture outside the home of Mike O'Brien, the Immigration Secretary of State, and he has proved to be a thorn in the side of many people involved in the UK's arms industry.
Bursting on to the national comedy scene through his own show on Channel 4, The Mark Thomas Comedy Product , he proved to be the scourge of politicians, corporations and small time arms dealers.
Thomas officially holds the world record for organising 2,486 demos in one day, has ensured that the law banning protests near Parliament will be repealed, and has given millions of people a good laugh en route.
At a time when people are getting squeezed by the rises in the cost of food, fuel and life in general, I want people to get involved and enjoy themselves at the same time.
Mark Thomas is perhaps the personification of that attitude. Who else made people laugh at despots and criminals, at corruption and greed?
Regular Tapeley speaker Guy Taylor from Globalise Resistance said: "Mark has inspired thousands of people to do something about the state of the world today. It's fantastic that people are going to get the chance to see Mark do two different shows in two days at Tapeley.
"I'm going to enjoy every bit of his act. Mark gives a refreshing, angry but funny view of the excesses of this corporate run world."
And Thomas summarised his view of the festival: "The SoW festival is a chance for home grown, local talent to celebrate and party amidst discussions about Globalisation and how we as individuals and communities challenge the power of corporations and thrive while doing so... in effect a party with purpose."
Thomas clearly understands that this festival is about the good that can be achieved, in the fun sense, and the bigger picture – he is not solely profit driven.
The weekend's entertainment will include Didgeridoo Earthworks workshops in the 'Didge' village, a large therapist corner with top quality mediums and healers, children's story tent and woodland walk, organic food and craft stalls, alternative film show, plus access to Tapeley's stunning gardens.
Bands will include Tripod, Spoonful, The Alements and Rory Gallagher Tribute Band (both days) on Saturday, Amy Newton, Cablecar Catastrophe, Kitty and the Lost Boys and many more, on the Sunday. Gates open at 10am and close at 7pm on Saturday and Sunday August 30 to 31.
SoW's charitable objectives centre around the 'relief of poverty', such as campaigning for Fair Trade, dropping third world debt and setting up affordable sustainable housing projects; 'protection and preservation of good health', keeping GM out of the UK currently the main focus; and the 'advancement of education for the public benefit.'
Tickets for the SoW festival cost £5 for adults and £3 for children, with 50% of profits going to the SoW charity.
Log on to www.tapeley-park.co.uk for more information about Tapeley Park and the SoW festival.