London Cannabis Festival Postponed to Sat 16th June 2001

The London Cannabis March & Festival planned for Sat 5th May 2001 as part
of a global cannabis action in 125 cities, has been postponed until Sat
16th June 2001. March route, festival venue and times remain the same.

Organisers of the London event blamed the heaviest rainfall in 100 years
(global warming) for their decision to postpone the event planned for May
5th.

The festival site at Brockwell Park, Brixton is completely waterlogged.
Lambeth Council park officials advised the organisers yesterday
(Wednesday) that the park would be badly damaged if the event went ahead
and that the condition of the ground was so bad that the health and safety
of those attending could be put at risk.

A spokesperson said "It is with great regret that we have come to this
decision but we cannot risk the health and safety of our supporters nor do
we wish to cause serious damage to Brockwell Park, which is an important
local amenity."

The legal event, organised in full cooperation with the Metropolitan Police
and Lambeth Council, attracted over 30,000 supporters of an end to cannabis
prohibition last year (May 6th). There were no arrests.

The march and festival is part of an annual 'global cannabis action'
happening this year in 125 cities worldwide on May 5th. The annual event,
organised by a rapidly growing international coalition of cannabis
campaigning groups, businesses and individuals, is calling for an global
end to the prohibition of cannabis for recreational, medical and industrial
purposes.

A coalition spokesperson said "The London Cannabis Festival and March may
be temporarily postponed but Sat May 5th is still a global day of cannabis
freedom and protest in 125 cities worldwide and that includes Britain. We
encourage anyone who supports an early end to cannabis prohibition to take
responsible personal action in their local area on Sat May 5th and to
prepare to 'Come out For Cannabis' at the largest and most enjoyable
anti-prohibition event in Britain's history on Sat June 16th."

London Cannabis March & Festival Timetable: Saturday June 16th 2001

* 12 noon - Carnival March to End the Prohibition of Cannabis: Assemble in
Kennington Park - Oval Tube. Departs 1.00 pm sharp to Brockwell Park,
Brixton. Floats, samba band and more. Bring spirit, humour, banners, drums,
your voice, to celebrate, remonstrate and 'dance on the grave of Cannabis
Prohibition' through Brixton to the Cannabis Freedom Festival. Everyone
counts.

* 2 pm - 8.00pm - Cannabis Freedom Festival, Brockwell Park, Brixton: Free
(99p) entrance for four stages of live bands plus sound systems galore,
Hemp Expo, Medical Cannabis Marquee, Speakers Tent, food and cannabis
related stalls, cannabis cinema, hemp beer, hemp ice cream and clothes,
special kids area, comedy, performers, information and celebration.
Everyone invited.

* June 16th event news, contacts and information updates:
 http://www.cannabiscoalition.org
* Information lines: 020 7637 7467. 020 7738 5148. 020 7267 8320.

may the 5th be with you

end