UK Free Parties and Free Festivals 1988-1994

A quote from Tom Middleton on pp.30-31 of Aphex Twin: A Disco Pogo Tribute– Saturday night we put on an event at The Bowgie.

Unbeknown to us here at FPPHQ, someone has created a map based on the entries on our blog.

As becomes apparent from the introduction, this book was pieced together by Iain Donnelly from Keith’s freeflowing notes.

A disclaimer first: we were involved in a little background work (figuring out e.g. dates of parties) for this documentary, so what you are about to read is a little biased.

It comes as no great surprise to learn that Ed Gillett helped Jeremy Deller with his (highly recommended by us) Everybody In The Place documentary.

Update– The Spiral Tribe do at Rats Run/Longstock Free Festival, Hampshire was on the same weekend.

This was the first time Black Box [DiY’s custom-built rig] had been to a festival and it became clear from the off that things had changed over the winter and spring.

UPDATE 8/1/22: Some confusion about the date for this one.

We know Mutant Dance threw their first ever party at this location, but that is all we have, so far!

Legends tell that there was a cracker of a free party on this date in Little Farringdon.