Triumph of the Dead

[dotinthesky]

Yesterday's March of the Dead was a complete success. In fact, I believe it was the beginning of something historic for London - the kind of parade that will grow each year until it becomes as celebrated and loved as the Notting Hill Festival. In 2006, about 100 people took part in the first March. Yesterday, the numbers were well over 300 - with police escorting us on bicycles up Kingsland Road as we stopped traffic with our music (the song Kingsland Road), banners, howls and screams.

I ended up not using my mask because it was too heavy and clunky; it got left behind in the warehouse where we met up at 6.30pm to get ready. I used one of Kevin's masks instead, plus leather gloves, a black suitjacket, and a black cape. woodsrule and her roomate J. joined us later, as Headless Men.

When we arrived, one of the organisers made a beeline for Kevin & I and asked if we wouldn't mind being at the front of the March, carrying black banners beside the King of Kingsland. It was a hard task - swinging a tall black banner while peaking through cardboard eyes and making sure to always be by the King's side - but well worth it just for the privilege of being at the front of 300+ people marching through Hackney & Dalston. I lost count of how many people took photos of me or with me. Perhaps they were actually trying to photograph the King - a giant marvel of costume design which awed adults and scared children wherever it went.

My words can't do justice to the parade and the party afterwards in Dalston (I can't wait to find photos online and show them to you). We amazed people in restaurants and buses as we went by, seduced partygoers into joining us, and generally brought the best Halloween party in London to the streets of the EastEnd.

Comments

[wwidsith.livejournal.com]

This sounds amazing. I might come and film it next year

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I'm sure it will be bigger and better next year, though yesterday was as well organised as can be. Mind, there were plenty of cameras around yesterday so you might have some competition. ;-)

[desayuno-ingles.livejournal.com]

OH my gosh, Ollie that sounds fantastic! I'm so happy that you and Kevin got to be at the front! How amazing, I'll be that's something you remember for ever and ever and ever. Gosh, that sounds like a parade even I could get into! (I hate parades) Can't wait to see photos. keeses!

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I can't wait to see the photos too! All the credit should go to Kevin, who created the most amazing masks.

I'm also someone not into big events (remember how quiet I was at Corrego's party?) because of crowds, but last night felt good because we were a crowd on the move (so plenty of space), and we were wearing great costumes. The biggest pleasure, I think, was in causing havoc with the traffic. :-)

[desayuno-ingles.livejournal.com]

Oh I'm sure it was great to affect all those people like that. ANd you hit it square on the nail - I'm sure why you felt more comfortable was also that you were hidden behind a mask. THat's something about linkkk's zombie marches he goes to that sounds like so much fun. I might try to organize one in NYC for next year. Or try to find someone to organize one with, hehe, for I am not generally a great organizer.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

If you decide to organise one, get a collective going. You'll need stewards for the event, help creating costumes, mask, etc. But I'm sure you won't have a problem finding help in New York.

[desayuno-ingles.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I meant. I'd try to tap into the few people I know who know a lot of people who'd probably like doing something like this and who have organizing experience to boot.

[dilvsy.livejournal.com]

that spounds like a great night...and yay, you got to lead a parade!!!!

[dilvsy.livejournal.com]

spounds = sounds...i type too damn fast!

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Wellllll... I didn't exactly lead the parade, but I was definitely in the front. ;-)

[dilvsy.livejournal.com]

i am going to keep thinking you led the parade though...cause that makes it even cooler

LOL