Popular annual EL event ends with switch-off

THE annual London Roots festival on the Day of Goodwill came to a sudden end minutes before 5am at the Cambridge Police Park grounds yesterday morning, when management of the sports complex literally pulled the plug on the event.

The electricity shutdown occurred halfway through multi-award-winning Durban outfit Big NUZ’s performance.

This after the East London event, in its second year, had exceeded its 3am deadline at the grounds. Management complained about the venue being used far beyond the time it was booked for before cutting off lights and sound.

However, a few minutes before 5am the show was still in full swing, with Big NUZ being the last act of the event.

More than 2 000 revellers attended the show, which boasted a solid lineup that included Durban hip hop sensation Ricki Rick, the Eastern Cape’s Naak Musiq, Tbo Touch and Big NUZ among the national headline acts.

Chuma Luke, one of the event organisers, said they had not anticipated such a huge turnout.

Speaking about the abrupt shutdown, Luke said they had been extensively “warned” by venue management before the electricity supply was switched off. “They were very polite about it; we have a very good relationship with the venue management, and Police Park will always be home to London Roots because it is very spacious. We will just set up differently over the coming years.” —