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NumbiFest: Poly’s Day
June 26, 2021 @ 12:00 - 18:00
£11.37
In 1976, Marianne Elliot-Said, a young Somali-English woman named herself, ‘Poly Styrene’ and embarking on her musical career posted an advert in the back of NME magazine for band members to join her, later iconic, Punk group, ‘X-Ray Specs’. The title of the advert read: ‘Young Punx That Want to Stick it Together’, a call to those who shared her same spirit of self-creation and tenacity.
To kick off NumbiFest 2021 we are launching with Poly’s Day! Poly’s Day is for those who would have responded to her ad!
Poly Styrene is regarded as a pioneer. As part of the handful of Black-British frontwomen in music during the 1970s, she used her voice to address everything from racism to consumerism and environmental issues. Her daughter, author and director Celeste Bell, joins us on Poly’s Day to share her insights and experiences in celebration of Poly Styrene’s life and Somali heritage. In her debut documentary, I Am A Cliche, Celeste Bell brings to screen Poly’s genius as well as the challenges she faced. Together we will explore Poly’s world through DIY workshops, panel discussions, food, photography and music.
Watch I Am A Cliche here – by using this link, half the proceeds go to supporting Numbi Arts