I was greatly impressed to see that Mayor Boris Johnson followed through on (another) capmpaign promise and unveiled a picture of Her Majesty The Queen at City Hall today.

Naturally, it goes without saying that your idol, the former Mayor Livingstone never had a picture of our marvellolus Sovereign on display, you just wonder though what Boris has done with all of the Hugo Chavez and Fidel pictures though?

Perhaps (just a little tongue-in-cheek and to keep this on topic) Livingstone also preferred pictures of everyones favourite Homophobic and Racist Islamic Cleric, Islamic, Yusuf al-Qaradawi to our own dear Monarch too, who knows.

Just wondering if you any of true reactionaries share my quiet and measured appreciation of this small but important civic gesture?

Remember, things can only get better!!

One of the stages was run by the Cuba Solidarity campaign, a blatantly politicised organisation.

Plus the supposed anti-racist message does not encompass racism by non whites, so what is the point? History Of London festival, a far more community centred event, a far better use of money.

If this event is to be paid for by the council taxpayer then how about paying for a pensioners day out?
or
Hard pressed council taxpayers dayout?

Yup,everyone wants that free lunch!

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My point is that if it is meant to be an anti-racism festival, then surely there must be some evidence that it reduces racism. How, for instance, does it reach out to (say) the BNP-leaning mother on the council estate who is worried about the number of non-English speaking children in her child’s school, or the Muslim father who doesn’t want his daughter to date non-Muslims?

I am sure that people who went had a nice time. But should the taxpayer be funding it? Boris doesn’t offer to fund my days out.

I see this as a gutless move, I’d lay money Bojo wanted to do this last year but didn’t have the balls.

This event was a wonderful day out with a positive message of inclusiveness. Anyone who’d attended it would experience people (and food!) from many different backgrounds, it fed into the narrative that London is a city of many people’s all able to live in peace together.

I’m more than happy for a bit of money to spent on festivals like this and others (I’m all for celebrating St Georges day or Vaisakhi for example). I don’t buy the charge it angle, because that leaves enjoying the diversity of London’s people’s to those that can afford it.

It’s Boris’ shame this is discontinued and my only hope that if he’s voted out in 2012 this festival returns.

If some people think the festival is that important then why not organise it themselves, and charge an entrance fee?