YAM CARNIVAL!!!

I haven’t really updated this site for a while… well. There hasn’t been a lot going on has there. Yam Carnival was the first festival I’ve been to in what feels like.. forever. With an interesting line up – I was excited to be offered press passes to head on down there, friend in tow. And when we arrived it looked like half of London had been invited down as ‘press’ or ‘VIP as the queue to get in rotated a few miles round the large exterior fence. Already late, panic set in as security guards gave us fake names and alternative routes to get in. It appeared that we might not be seeing anyone at all. Thankfully a twist of fate later (and my tenacity haha)– we bumped in to someone who could help and found our way whiling onwards to the stage! We needn’t of panicked. Times lagging and issues with sound systems meant that nothing inside was going to plan either. Yam Carnival’s first year it seemed that ‘technical issues’ stood out… That’s not a band by the way...*smirk

Inside the arena, after we had queued amongst the many queues (needing the toilet is such an inconvenience) – we managed to see Koffee, Kehlani and Davido. All three amazing artists – I am really grateful that I had the opportunity to see them. If they have not fallen onto your radar yet – consider this it.

It was one of those festivals I’d like to do a second time, with less faffing about. The vibe there was so good – and all in all the patience and friendly atmosphere of the attendees was what really made it in the end.

This week I am addicted to Koffee’s song – Rapture and am in danger of overplaying it.

Becki BXx

… I’d quite like a new lens.. I’m shooting on a Nikon D7500.. any thoughts..

Beam me up Scotty..
Camera crew…
Kehlani
Glam audience member
Davido looking happy ‘as dancing about the stage
Kehlani
Waiting for the sound to pick up
Salvation
How rude..
Davido on the main stage

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Richmond, ENGLAND

A few photos taken by myself… in Richmond, LONDON, UK all photography owned and copyrighted Rebecca Burrows 2020

Woman on bench… “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”
Social Distancing, Richmond, England
Contemplating the current times of a viral pandemic
Whoever said there’s no green space in London…
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© Rebecca Burrows 2020

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2018: HAMPSTEAD HEATH


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The Grenfell Tower Tragedy

Grenfell Tower Tragedy


It’s been a very difficult week for a lot of people living in West London. A lot of people have lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower tragedy. And then there are the friends and family that have been directly affected in what has been a very tragic and upsetting event.

As a resident of the Kensington and Chelsea borough – and as a part time volunteer at Citizens Advice – I found myself – in some unexpected situations I could not have predicted.

This included interviewing (very briefly) Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, meeting an amazing filmmaker called Janey Ayoade who was helping a strong activist called Neville by filming his story. Briefly meeting Peaky Saku and his friends working as best they could/can to help. Experiencing Mustafa Almansur attempting to collate and lead a committee (due to the Council not being seen anywhere at this point), and hearing the name Ishmahil Blahgrove spoken everywhere I went (I haven’t met him)… but I think he is a brilliant speaker rising up against the mainstream media.

And then there’s the famous face of Lily Allen. Who I met briefly, obviously deeply upset and passionate about helping and using the voice she has to vocalise what she saw. Maybe (and I can only really speculate) aware of her status and not wanting to make the situation about her. The ‘dancing on the fine line of trying to help and intentions being misconstrued’ and taking a lot of flack from the media – one has to be a very strong character to take that on board. 

And then let us not forget the children affected. Ryan Faraji and Tina Faraji aged 6 and 8. Ryan who lost his best friend Yacob. A voice of perspective for his generation. Too young to understand how powerful his message is to the rest of us.

There is a lot to write about this event. But I will not write it all now. I felt as an independent blogger/filmmaker that it was important to capture what was happening, on the ground. Firstly, because I didn’t feel that the media were reporting it authentically. And secondly, because when these families and residents look back on this. They may want to see and reflect on what went on. One day.

I have noted a few names up there. People trying to help. Let it be noted. There are a lot of people not mentioned here trying as best they can, with whatever they can to help as much as they can. This does not take away from the fact that this event – has affected so many people and has been an extremely tragic and heart wrenching situation. And it will always be about those people affected.

Whether I have done the right or wrong thing with capturing these moments. Well. That is arguable and I questioned that myself. And to be honest I don’t know the answer to that. But I did it with the best intention. An attempt to create a ripple effect in the right direction. I felt it was the right thing to do – whilst the media are putting out heavily edited footage.

The trauma that residents are going through is and will be huge. An Iranian woman that survived passed out during an interview with the BBC whilst describing the event to a reporter (which Kimia Zabihyan who was translating at the time claims was never broadcast). Kimia related that the woman wanted her story to be told. Why? Because it was so shockingly traumatic – almost in an unbelievable way (as in – is this really happening in Great Britain today?) that she felt it was important to tell her story.

But for now – above is a ten minute unedited clip and pictures I took, through my eyes.

Unedited – so that. Well you can make your own mind up.

To all those who have lost their lives. Rest in peace. My thoughts are with those directly affected. I’m sorry that this happened to you.

Best,

Becki BXx

#westlondonstrong #grenfelltower

 

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REVIEW: CAUGHT BY THE RIVER THAMES FESTIVAL

Gwenno Saunders Caught by the River


“Be More Fucking Empathetic Kate Tempest

I headed down to the Caught by the River Thames Festival last weekend, which was a small, friendly, yet relaxing festival hidden down a quaintly decorated winding path down the back of Fulham Palace Park. My highlight of the experience… without a doubt – was Kate Tempest ‘in conversation’ about her new book  ‘The Bricks That Built The Houses’ with Miranda Sawyer. Not only did she come across as wise and talented.. the confidence Kate exuded in front of a room packed full of people – of all ages was inspirational. She came across as the sort of person I’d like to be friends with. Down to earth, real, creative and thoughtful. 

Kate Tempest

Kate Tempest Caught By The River – photography Becki Burrows

She had some good advice for the room… well. For me anyway… 1) “finish your ideas!”. And 2) “Be more fucking empathetic!”. She touched on various topics such as ‘female artists expected to be young, beautiful and engaged with broken hearts and shoes’. And whilst I love shoes.. I agree there is only a short amount of time one can spend admiring them before it can get boring. Very… boring. She also touched on that creative process. Well I am writing this as if you may know about it. That feeling that you aren’t quite where you want to be and it’s not quite going the way you want. But something she said that was quite interesting was ‘the minute you get it right. It’s the end… right?’.

Kate Tempest

Kate Tempest Caught By The River – Photography Becki Burrows

And how important it is to ‘get out of tunnel vision’. To remember that it’s not just you that is going through whatever it is you’re going through. I believe it’s so important… to try to enjoy life and the imperfect journey placed at our feet. And hearing Kate Tempest reminded me of that. Another inspirational talker at the festival was Chris Packham who spoke about ‘winning being about not giving up.. no matter what happens.. that it’s not always about the finish line… it’s about focusing that anger and doing something creative with it’. So yes. I wasn’t expecting to come away so thoughtful from a festival. And whilst I craved some electro dance music….something I’m not too good at… is relaxing and just being. And remembering the importance of just sitting. And listening.

Rhys Ifans

Rhys Ifans Super Furry Animals – photography Becki Burrows

 

 

The Caught by the River Festival exuded a different energy than the burning fast paced rush and the now now NOW culture of festivals that I’m probably more used to. I’m not sure if this festival is running next year.. but I found it a relaxing cultural experience. And worth heading to if you have free time. And here are some short one minute interviews: Oh Ryley Walker… 🙂

 

THE VERY CHARMING RYLEY WALKER:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIxi_hAh6hr/?taken-by=ohdearymetv

A MAN CALLED DARYL OFFERS HIS THOUGHTS ON THE FESTIVAL:

Review of the #caughtbytheriver #festival #fulhampalace by a #random called #darrel

A video posted by Becki Burrows (@ohdearymetv) on

BUNF SUPER FURRY ANIMALS – WELSH LESSON:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI0ErvQB73X/?taken-by=ohdearymetv

GWENNO SAUNDERS:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI0HuV9hK-m/?taken-by=ohdearymetv

 

I could probably write more. I could probably do more. I could probably BE more. But I need to do something else right now..

Becki Xx Follow me on Instagram!

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