Now in its 34th year, the Day-Mer Culture & Arts Festival brings together a myriad of social, political and cultural flavours for its annual flagship event in North London that celebrates and unites the UK’s growing Turkish and Kurdish communities.
Istanbul born, Germany resident Turkish singer Zeynep Bakşi Karatağ headlines this year’s festival that takes place in Hackney’s Clissold Park on Saturday, 1 July 2023.
The classically trained artist has been making waves ever since her acclaimed debut album Mozaik was released on seminal Turkish label Kalan Muzik in 2016.
The singer’s long-play follow-up, Usulca, two years later featured duets with a host of renowned artists, such as rapper Ozbi, guitarist and bağlama player Ahmet Aslan, and folk singer Umut Altıncağ, with whom she sings Zaza folk song Ero Xora.
Zeynep’s gorgeous, velvety voice and contemporary interpretations of traditional Turkish Blues and Folk songs and classic protest music ensures these vital part of Turkiye’s rich heritage remain current and relevant to new generations of Turkish music lovers.
Also performing on Saturday’s are folk singers Apolas Lermi and Gül Bahar, socially conscious Afro-Latin collective Lokandes, and the Day-Mer Erbane Band.
In between the incredible musical line-up, there will also be political speeches from British and Turkish trade unionists and anti-war and anti-racism activists.
You can also while away the afternoon browsing the arts and crafts stalls, and munch on tasty Turkish street food. Entrance to the festival is just £2 per person, payable on the day.
Festival Details
Title: Day-Mer 34th Culture & Arts Festival 2023
Date: Saturday 1st July 2023
Times: 2pm to 7.30 pm
Venue: Clissold Park, Green Lanes, Stoke Newington, London N16 9HJ
Admission: £2 – payable on the door.
For further information about the event or Day-Mer, please visit their website: www.daymer.org or contact the Turkish & Kurdish Community Centre on (tel) 020 7275 8440 or (email) info@daymer.org
