Block9 is a rambunctious facilitator of after-dark revelry, but as kicked into gear on Friday, one woman brought politics, not partying, to the programme. Katharine Hamnett, she of statement slogan T-shirt fame, brought 40 new splashy designs to the festival in the hope of driving home the message she has been doggedly promoting: “Your Vote Is Your Most Powerful Tool, Use It Or Lose It.” While each statement – such as “Cancel Student Debt”, “100% Tax Deductible Childcare”, “Free Tuition And Student Grants” and “Free Public Transport” – is not solely election based, the looming vote on 4 July feels urgent – even among those free-spirited fields.
“I hope this wakes people up to the power of voting,” asserts Hamnett, who recalls the 1800 ballot, which saw Thomas Jefferson elected as President of the United States by just one vote. “Voting suppression is everywhere. Block9 has the perfect demographic of women and under-35s, and I plan to take full advantage of this.
” At the time of speaking, Hamnett, who has only frequented Worthy Farm once during that “beautiful but disgusting” year Amy Winehouse headlined a mud-splattered site, has not decided whether she will wear the “End Genocide” tee or one asking, “Do We Need Another Liar?”, which comes with a nifty QR code identifying who the activist means. A gang of gogo dancers and drag queens proudly broadcast the other missives for her – many of which are laced with humour (“More Skat.
.jpg)
