The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of South Norwood's true success stories. The fantastic Ghanian food, wide range of drinks and friendly, vibrant atmosphere have helped establish the Gold Coast as one of the major African venues anywhere in London. This year the Gold Coast will host the Festival headliners as well as other events throughout the week.

Dave Woodhead and The Positively Test Card

Sunday 22nd June. From 8:00 pm. FREE!!!

PPR are thrilled to announce that Dave Woodhead and the Positively Test Card will be playing the Portland Arts Festival. Positively Test Card are real local heroes. Check out the picture of them under local landmark - Crystal Palace mast - or pick up a copy of their album The Indestructible Beat of South Norwood for proof of their local credentials! And for confirmation of their hero status just look at them playing Glastonbury - a festival almost as prestigous as the Portland Arts Festival!

The Positively Test Card play Kwela. Kwela -- South African penny-whistle jive -- must be the world’s happiest and most uplifting music. Originally played on the street -- an ululance of whistlers and a guitarist -- kwela became the first black commercial music of apartheid-stricken South Africa. It had a brief heyday in the late 50's and early 60's, when thousands of Kwela 78's were made.

Dave has been in the Kwela game since 1995 and he played with such luminaries as Billy Bragg and Robyn Hitchcock before forming his band The Positively Test Card.

Check out the Positively Test Card website to hear samples of their sounds and find out more about the band.

Poets Anonymous

Wednesday 18th June. From 8:00 pm till close. FREE!!!

The second section of tonight's Arts Festival double bill at the Gold Coast. Poets Anonymous opened the Arts Festival last year with a brilliant evening of often hilarious poetry. A real highlight of the week - arguably never bettered - so do not miss this chance to be entertained by Croydon's premier poetry group. If you're feeling brave you can even read your own poetry or a piece that you love to a packed room. Get there early to get a seat after last year's full house or you may have to make do with sitting on the floor or listening at the door!
To find out more about Poets Anonymous visit www.poetsanon.org.uk.

Old Palace Clog

Wednesday 18th June. From 7 pm. FREE!!!

The first of a Portland Arts Festival double bill tonight at the Gold Coast. The all-girl Old Palace Clog return after their excellent show last year to bring you a performance filled with the most English of entertainment. Clog dancing and Morris dancing have their roots in the most ancient British tradition this is a performance not to be missed.
To find out more about Old Palace Clog visit www.oldpalaceclog.org.uk.

The Catalina Blues Band

Thursday 19th June. From 8:00 pm. FREE!!!

If slide guitar, wailing harmonica and driving blues are your thing don't miss this opportunity to see this fine London blues band. Their influences range from the legends of Chicago and the delta through to 60s british heroes like Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac. Even if you're not a blues fan you're still likely to find something to enjoy in a set by a band who have played clubs and festivals all over London and beyond.