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Camden New Journal - by SIMON WROE
Published: 21 June 2007

Dancers from the Paraiso School of Samba strut around Chalcot Square.

Festival sizzles in rain as barbie switches to gas

IS that the sound of a distressed dog whimpering over a charred paw, or simply sausages sizzling on the barbecue at Primrose Hill Festival?
Pooches and flammable visitors were asked to mind their paws on Saturday, as council legislation took its toll on the much-loved barbecue stall at the Chalcot Square festival. But health and safety red tape and the occasional shower could not dampen the infectious party spirit. Gyrating samba dancers and stilt-walking fairies swung through the crowds, dodging the stalls of curios and organic goods, while the antics of Punch and Judy entertained younger guests.
Keith Bird, who has organised the barbecue at the festival for 20 years without a single accident, was less than impressed with the new, slower gas grills – bought after the Town Hall banned traditional charcoal for safety reasons last month. In the ensuing row, Lib Dem leisure chief Councillor Flick Rea said she was worried a dog could be hurt if it trod on hot cinders from a charcoal barbecue. “You don’t get the flavour you get on charcoal,” said Mr Bird. “But we’re still serving the community. People have been so supportive.”
Elsewhere, there was nothing but smiles from the hundreds of festival-goers, who included film star Jude Law, a Primrose Hill resident, and his family.

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